A group of local poets are taking Bermudian culture on the road when they showcase their work in an upcoming show in Toronto entitled "Riot on Reid St".

Alan Smith, co-founder of Waterspout Theatre, described the show as a "somewhat theatrical presentation of Bermudian poetry".

He said the intention of the November 4 performance, partially funded by the Bermuda Arts Council, was to give voice to the intense subject matters tackled by most of the seven Bermudian poets involved.

And Mr. Smith said the experience abroad will give the writers an opportunity to be exposed to a different performance environment.

"The show is called `Riot on Reid St.', but the idea is not about a physical riot. It's more about the idea of going against the status quo with atypical expressions of the Bermudian experience," said Mr. Smith. "And the subject matters range from the hyper-realistic to the satirical and fantastical."

The seven artists will be giving a few radio interviews in the week leading up to the show, and will be selling some of their own "chapbooks", which are short, self-published booklets of original poetry samplings.

The performance will also feature the poetry of Waterspout Theatre's "Canadian allies", Sandra Alland and Jemeni.

"We are eternally grateful to the Arts Council for their consistent faith and support," said Mr. Smith. "As Bermudian poets, we have something unique to say, and this gives us the opportunity to develop our art."

The poets will be performing at 8 p.m. on November 4 at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre on Alexander St. in Toronto.