Hank the Revelator – Typer and Talker

Hank Sosnowski, a Truckee Meadows Community College English teacher, had always been disgruntled that the written word was not represented at Artown, so he decided to change that. He became “Hank the Revelator – Typer and Talker.” He’s slept and performed for eight days on three-sided stage on the corner of First and West Streets in downtown Reno, typing stories that appear on a screen behind him or reciting his poetry. To Sosnowski’s knowledge he’s the first to produce art while living performance art. He said he’s preaching the gospel of the word, the written word that is.

When designing his stage he kept P.T. Barnum’s self-professed key to success in mind, “You have to get them in the door.” So he and an artist friend, Tom Lauderbaugh, designed signs pitching Sosnowski’s ability to “Write before your eyes.” But those familiar with the tricks of carnivals know that a large build up often reveals little that is remarkable inside the tent. Sosnowski laughed as he said he felt like in some ways his audience was being duped in a similar manner.

“The thing I try to get my students to see is that we’re all writers,” Sosnowski said. “ Regardless of what the writers of the world have tried to tell you, it’s not some mystical thing dropped by angels out of the sky. You’re telling stories too, you’re just doing it with your mouth.”

As he recited poetry Friday, he lurched between interesting ideas and self-depreciating humor. Just like the signs on either side of his stage read, it’s obvious at some times he see himself as a talker and typist. Other times he sees himself as a scribbler and squawker.

Yet perhaps his shows aren’t quite the Barnum and Bailey scam he portrays. On several occasions crowds had gathered around the stage waiting for him to begin reciting poetry. Another time, after he had completed a recitation he sat down to write and was astounded to look up 10 minutes later and see that not a soul had budged.

Sosnowski also marveled at the fact that people will sit and watch him do such mundane tasks as eat a bowl of cereal like it’s an unedited, super high-definition reality show. Sosnowski said he’s wanted to tell these people, “Star in your own reality show. Do something cool today.”

While he said it’s been an incredible and enjoyable experience interacting with crowds, spending an entire week exposed to the elements and stares of audiences hasn’t been all without strife. On Wednesday night, Sosnowski had hung a sheet up in front of his bed to block the light of a street lamp, when someone set fire to the sheet. Police are looking for the individual responsible for the fire.

“I’m the first poet to be criticized by fire,” he exclaimed.

But he joked that be being a flaming poet wouldn’t set him apart in areas such as San Francisco.

The trauma of nearly being burned alive hasn’t compared to the kindness and fascinating stories he has received from people during every step of the process, he said. This entire project would not be possible without the help of numerous friends and organizations and people have brought him chili, blankets and muffins throughout the week. Some even acted as guards while he slept.

“This is one bad apple in a slew of heart warming stories,” Sosnowski said. “One psycho is not indicative of Reno. Reno is great place to raise children. I know my wife and I have done it.”

Sosnowski has been writing a book about his experiences from this week. The book will be published with funds provided by the Sierra Arts Foundation, he said.

To hear Sosnowski prefrom his poetry to jazz music show up tonight from 5 to 7 pm. He's holding a celebration for the finaly of the project.