Philip Whalen performs one of his pieces in front of a large crowd in a town hall (Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library, Special Collections and Archives, Collection 577, Box 1, Folder 5, Item 1)

Beatniks believed that poetry was meant to be heard and performed, not just read. Poetry readings and perfomances played a vital role in the Beat Movement. From bookstores in San Francisco to theaters in New Jersey, beat poetry readings occured in various locations and venues throughout the United States during the the 1950's and 1960's. During the poetry readings, beatniks often used more controversial words and language, and used limited censorship during the readings. Allen Ginsberg recalled that during one of his readings of Howl a member from the audience asked what the whole point of his reading was. Immediately Ginsberg stated "nakedness." The member of the audience then asked Ginsberg, "'What do you mean nakedness?'" Immediately the poet started undressing and completely stripped himself of his clothes. [1] While most poetry readings during the movement weren't this extreme, the poetry readings were still a performance and an opportunity for the beatniks to further address the problems of society and to challenge societal norms as a whole.