Mark Anthony Thomas’s Poetry Comes Alive Onscreen
"This is my first self. Everything I've done in the last decade is an experiment. But when I'm in this space, this is who I've been since a teenager." - Mark Anthony Thomas
A beautiful walk through the life of poet Mark Anthony Thomas; In Need of Seawater. It’s an absolute treat of a short film for any poetry lover.
"When I was 21 I wanted to reflect on life, so I started working on my second book called The Poetic Repercussion," Mark begins.
"Everything I share with you tonight, I wrote between the ages of 21 to 24... it really tells the story of a young black man finding himself in this country. Everything I've done in my life, nothing is more meaningful than the experience of writing this book."
In Need of Seawater is the performance of Mark's early poetry works, read in the intimate setting of an apartment surrounded by friends. Poems such as Ink Blot Testing, The Declaration, and Even the Sky takes us on a stroll through his life.
Each poem is presented like a chapter, fantastically edited with accompanying music, and re-enactments by young actor Ziaire Mann. Directed by Richard Yeagley, the cinematography is stunning and an absolutely beautiful piece of art within itself.
We experience where Mark's head was at when he wrote this poetry. Each poem puts a spotlight on a a turn point or important moment during his young adulthood - and we see it through his eyes thanks to his talent for the written word.
I noticed that it's not only his talent of the written word that transports us, but his ability to perform his work too. I think that's a rare quality in a writer; being able to speak up as well as he can write down.
In Need of Seawater covers topics such as stereotypes, self-discovery and even the security of a barbershop chair, which provides the opportunity to speak without judgement. This was a personal favourite of mine.
"In this shop, status means nothing; it falls like hair to the ground. At least it should." - In the Shop.
This is not my first time enjoying the works of Mark Anthony Thomas. In 2022, I wrote about a performance of his - Folded Whispers - and I'm so pleased to have had the opportunity to write about his work again.
In Need of Seawater is set to be released in January 2026. Check out the trailer below, and follow Mark on Facebook and Instagram for updates.