World Poetry Reading to launch 44th UND Writers Conference March 19

David L. Dodds

Document Type

News Article

Publication Date

3-14-2013

Campus Unit

College of Arts & Sciences

Abstract

The University of North Dakota's 44th Annual Writers Conference will kick-off Tuesday with an international vibe and poetry readings designed to transcend political boundaries.

At 2 p.m., Tuesday (March 19), the World Poetry Reading event will take place in the Red River Valley Room of the UND Memorial Union, marking the official start of the Writers Conference (March 19-23). The World Poetry Reading features poets from many different cultures reciting poetry in their own languages in front of an audience.

The event is free and open to the public, as are all Writers Conference activities.

"The idea behind it is that it showcases how the beautiful language of poetry defies barriers and that poetry is always appreciated by people worldwide, said Mosab Bajaber , a UND English Ph.D. student and event organizer.

Bajaber said that, last year, the World Poetry Reading attracted an audience of about 100 people.

He expects this year's event to have poets reciting in about 20 different languages.

"We plan to have a background screen introducing each language and culture as the reciter reads his poem," he said. "(Some of )the reciters will also wear clothing of their native cultures."

Share

COinS