House of The Highest and Most Pious

Based on anthologized material and using tongue twisting rhyming verse in the DADA tradition, Christian Georgescu's multimedia production House of The Highest and Most Pious (HOTHAMP) depicts a prosperity preacher's search for meaning as he contends with modern life amid late stage Capitalism. Featuring LA's premier spoken word artists S.A. Griffin, Rich Ferguson, Kathleen Florence, and Christine Jordan, HOTHAMP meets at the intersection of literature, circus, stadium event and church service. "An exceptionally crafted inside joke. Humor at its best: first disarming the reader with charm and wit, then hitting hard with truth that alters perception." The Pedestal Magazine.

Doors Open: 1:30 PM Readings: 2:00 PM

Award-winning designer, writer and performer, Christian Georgescu has appeared in Poetry Brothel and The Moth. His previous solo shows Meisner with Mama, iLucifer and House of ME have premiered at United Solo NYC and Hollywood Fringe. His written works are anthologized in It's Animal But Merciful (Great Weather for Media) and Seflie (NYSAI Press) among others. His current multi-media theater production House of The Highest and Most Pious (HOTHAMP) is a culmination of material published over the years in the DADA Maintenant Journals (#9-#17, 2015-2024) by NYC's Three Room Press. Brought to life with visuals, costume and song, HOTHAMP tells the tale of a prosperity preacher's search for meaning as he contends with discontent, disconnect and late stage Capitalism. "An exceptionally crafted inside joke. Humor at its best: first disarming the reader with charm and wit, then hitting hard with truth that alters perception." The Pedestal Magazine.

L.A. poet/spoken-word performer Rich Ferguson has shared the stage with Patti Smith, Wanda Coleman, Moby, and other esteemed poets and musicians. He is a featured performer in the film, What About Me? featuring Michael Stipe, Michael Franti, k.d. lang, and others. His poetry and award-winning spoken-word music videos have appeared in numerous anthologies and festivals. He is the author of the novel New Jersey Me (Rare Bird Books), and two poetry collections 8th & Agony (Punk Hostage Press), and Everything is Radiant Between the Hates (Moon Tide Press). Most recently, Ferguson is the lead editor of an anthology of CA poets entitled Beat Not Beat (Moon Tide Press).

Kathleen Florence writes poetry for the stage, putting down words to perform them up. She is a produced playwright member of the Dramatist Guild of America, founder of Toronto's Garage Theatre, winner of the Evan Hughes Playwright award and contributing artist to the annual Maintenant journal of contemporary DADA published by NYC's Three Room Press.

Christine Jordan has trained and performed in modern dance and ballet, and knows a lot about Tai Chi, gardening and Shakespeare. As a part of Story Chicks, created in 2014, she has told true tales of her childhood and entertained folks of all ages in many settings. As a poet and teacher, she loves sharing the arts and uncovering the artist in everyone.

S.A. Griffin lives, loves and works in Los Angeles. He is has been accused of being a poet and / or an actor and performance artist. Among other things, he believes that God is a left handed cheeseburger.

This event is Free & In-Person at Beyond Baroque. Masks are encouraged while inside our center.

Event attendees are expected to behave in a respectful and considerate manner while in our space. Beyond Baroque reserves the right to remove individuals from our events, virtual or otherwise, if they are not respecting the space, fellow attendees, or performers.

Because this is a free event seating is limited. Please arrive early.

Livestream: If you can’t join us in-person the event will be livestreamed on at the scheduled time of the event.

Host or Publisher Beyond Baroque Literary | Arts Center