"Lorca Forever" or "Lorca Alma Presente" is the name of the program we experienced last night at The Poetry Foundation. Four different Latino theatre companies read excerpts of his works accompanied with piano music and percussion. There was also some singing. I love Lorca's work. I read him when I was an adolescent and my first poems were imitations of his rhythmic poetry, rich with repetitions and musicality. The program focused on his plays however; only one poem was read :"Ode to Walt Whitman."
I'm not convinced reading the play excerpts was successful; although, it proved powerful at times, moving, yet a tiny bit difficult to get a feel for his plays. The voices were magnificent. The music majestic and the last song moved me. I am glad to have attended. For the beauty of the words and for the opportunity to see some friends and network a bit with the Poetry Foundation people.
I'm hoping to read there sometime (soon) although I think it won't be before next year. In any case, it was good to get out and do something. And to find my first poetry collection in the immense library tucked among all the other books. What a confirmation! I am a poet. Here is my book. In the Poetry Foundation. I was (and am) thrilled.
Cost and Registration Information
Early Registration Price (January 9 at 10 am – January 26 at 4 pm): $250
Regular Registration Price (January 26 at 4 pm – first day of class): $275
Regular Registration Price (January 26 at 4 pm – first day of class): $275
Members, seniors, and students get a 10% discount.
Excuse our dust!
Beginning January 2018 the Newberry will be undertaking renovation of much of the first floor. The Adult Education Seminars Program will still have use of the basement classrooms, but please check this link frequently for the latest conditions - which exterior doors are open or closed, where to find an accessible entrance, which restrooms are available, etc.
Because of the renovation, the Newberry Bookstore will be closed during the Winter/Spring and Summer 2018 terms. As such, seminar participants will be responsible for acquiring all required texts for their seminars on their own. We apologize sincerely for the inconvenience, and appreciate your understanding. We have put together a list of helpful resources that should make it easy to find the books you need.
Seminar Description
Like any form of art, poetry requires practice. It needs curiosity, determination, a willingness to learn from others, and an open mind. In this workshop we will learn from published poets and each other. Writing is a solitary act but working with others helps us master the elements of language—to feel the line, the image, the metaphor, the play of sound. Eight sessions.
Beatriz Badikian-Gartler has been teaching writing and literature for over thirty years in the Chicago area and elsewhere. She’s the author of two poetry volumes, a novel, and numerous essays and reviews.