The Blasphemy of a Good Bath

The Blasphemy of a Good Bath

written and performed by Michael Hatcher

with opening performances from compelling poets and musicians

October 23–26, 2025

TICKETS

every.Word Poetry, the collective behind Austin’s most celebrated Monday night open mic, the home for spoken word poets that consistently packs The Butterfly Garden at The VORTEX, now steps into the Eloise Stage with its first fully staged choreopoem production. The Blasphemy of a Good Bath premieres as a fully staged work-in-progress choreopoem.

Written and performed by acclaimed poet Michael Hatcher, and directed by Jasmine Games and Dre’ Jackson, this evolving piece dives into themes of grief, legacy, family, memory, and transformation.

Blending poetry, theatre, and ritual performance, The Blasphemy of a Good Bath moves between childhood memory and present-day reflection, exploring how water, ancestry, and love shape survival. Through intimate storytelling, Hatcher asks what it means to let go, to carry memory, and to embrace transformation.

Each evening begins with a dynamic showcase hosted by Tender René, featuring Jasmine Games, live music, and performances from some of Austin’s most compelling poets and musicians.The lineup includes:

• Featured Poets: Ms. Trin-I-Tee, Mazat, Nala Washington, and The Blacksmith
• Featured Musicians: Rap/Hip-Hop by Boooka and Indie Bedroom Pop by Tiffany Rose

Together, these artists create a powerful ritual of words, rhythm, and sound leading into Hatcher’s staged work-in-progress.

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

Ensemble 1: Thu, Oct 23 & Fri, Oct 24 (Ms. Trin-I-Tee, Mazat, Tiffany Rose)

Ensemble 2: Sat, Oct 25 & Sun, Oct 26 (Nala Washington, The Blacksmith, Boooka)

Eloise Stage Afterparties

• Fri, Oct 24: every.Word Uncut Poetry Cypher: A late-night poetry cypher where words move freely and boundaries blur. Poets, rappers, and musicians trade verses in a space charged with intimacy, improvisation, and fire. No rules, no sign-ups, no clock — just raw expression and unfiltered energy. It’s a gathering where voices collide, rhythms intertwine, and the night stretches as long as the flow. Come ready to speak, vibe, and surrender to the moment.
• Sat, Oct 25: Underground Poetry Slam: A poetry slam hosted by Michael Hatcher and Jasmine Games. No mic. No props. Just 8 poets, 3 minutes each, and the crowd decides the winner by applause. Go over time, and you’re out. Raw, unfiltered, and fueled by fire. The pot is built by the poets and crowd donations, and the winner takes all. Bring your voice. Bring your applause. Bring the heat