Hello, new to performance poetry, seeking advice, opinon etc...
Is it acceptable to perform a well known tune having translated the wording to ones own preference?
Can it work well for audience participation?
Is it cheating?
I ask because i'm guilty of it. Or is it possibly a means to an end, a gateway to an open field.

Ugh these faces are horrible.

I'm no expert Suzy but in my humble opinion, I don't see why not. If the words are yours, who cares about the tune, especially if the tune adds something to the message. Plenty of people include the odd lyrics in poems if they add to the theme so I don't see why it shouldn't work the other way round. I ended up singing the beginning and the ending to my What's It All About poem. I think performance poetry should be quite relaxed and anything should go else it would be pretty boring. Good luck to you - where will you be performing it?

My singing is totally unacceptable in any performance.

Winston

Oh I'm sure we'd be enjoying your poetry so much we wouldn't notice the odd bum note Winston! It is harder than you think to sing when you are nervous though - I couldn't believe what came out when I tried it in public - so much better when I'm in the shower - and the singing.

John Gorman wrote a ditty about Wirral Council's activities. It worked for audience participation and was acceptable at the Wirral Words Open Floor.

So maybe you should just give it a go?

What's the worst that could happen?

The only way I can see a problem is if the tune is copywritten and if you intend to get paid for the performance - in which case check with the Performance Rights people.

If the tune is traditional, there shouldn't be a problem.

Seen it done good and done horrible (Not naming names). For me, if it adds to the performance yes... Otherwise, I would say no!