Urban fictions of factual representation

Abstract

I illustrate the view-changing potentials of poetry in the workplace with an example which can be a truly mesmerizing precedent due to its unexpectedness, improbability, and lyrical inspiration. My paper provides an analysis of Bill Murray’s public reading to physical workers on the construction site of the Poets House in New York. First I concentrate on the role of Murray’s self-irony which is meant to handle the tension between the two different spheres (poetry and physical work). Then I reveal the moments of inspiration in which poetry reading noticeably affects both the performer and audience members. Finally, I emphasize the importance of Murray’s applicative ending of the event, which provides interpretative comments and also manages to activate the audience members.