Get ready for an unforgettable evening dedicated to the legendary Allen Ginsberg! A night that will celebrate his life, work, and enduring impact on art and culture.
On December 2, 2025, at 7 pm, e-flux Screening Room in Brooklyn, NY, will host a unique event, bringing together a live performance, poetry reading, and screenings of two captivating works by Jonas Mekas.
But here's where it gets controversial... Ginsberg's punk composition, "Capitol Air," will be performed live, interpreted by the talented Emily Greenberg, Daniel Cooke, and Conor Williams. This song, written in the early 1980s and later performed with The Clash, showcases Ginsberg's dual identity as a poet and musician. A true fusion of art forms!
The evening will also feature a poetry reading by Hannah Beerman, Lynne Sachs, Terrence Arjoon, and A. S. Hamrah, taking us deeper into Ginsberg's poetic world. And this is the part most people miss... the event will conclude with a screening of two films by Jonas Mekas, offering a rare and intimate glimpse into Ginsberg's life and legacy.
The first film, "Scenes from Allen's Last Three Days on Earth as a Spirit," captures the Buddhist Wake ceremony at Ginsberg's East Village loft shortly after his death in 1997. It's a powerful and emotional record of Ginsberg's final days and the impact he had on those around him. The second film, an untitled video portrait, bridges footage from 1987 and Mekas's reflections in 1997, providing a unique perspective on Ginsberg's life and work.
So, what do you think? Is this event a fitting tribute to Ginsberg's multifaceted genius? Or does it miss the mark? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments! Don't forget to share your opinions and engage in this thought-provoking discussion!
