About
Allen, the African-American author of I Want My Body Back (poems) and Eye Mouth Graffiti Body Shop (play), is notable for his creative use of language and for his melding of the dramatic literature and poetry genres. His later plays include My Eyes Are the Cage in My Head, Swallow the Sun, and The Hieroglyph of the Cockatoo.
Before Fame
Early in his life, he became a Zen Buddhist.
Trivia
He founded the Thick Knot Rhythm Ensemble, a Detroit theater company, and Code Zero, a Los Angeles poetry and jazz band.
Family Life
He was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, and he later relocated to Los Angeles, California.
Associated With
He was a literary contemporary of fellow African-American poet Lucille Clifton.
