On the Grass of Exile
About this Event
In partnership with the Poetry Foundation, City of Asylum/Detroit launches “On the Grass of Exile,” an outdoor audio poetry installation. Lie in the grass and experience exile poems in their native language and in English translation, selected from a special new folio in Poetry magazine, “Broken Lines: A Gathering of Exiled Poets,” curated by City of Asylum/Detroit co-founders Laura Kraftowitz and Edward Salem. This event will also feature live poetry readings by Wafaa Mustafa and Robert Laidler, music by King Sophia and Zekkereya El-magharbel, and a community meal.
“I’m sipping the cups of time drifting away
on the grass of exile”
—Nada Al Khawwam, “On the Grass of Exile”
“On the Grass of Exile” soft launches a space that will be developed by City of Asylum/Detroit as an Exile Reading Garden envisioned as both a community space and an art object. The garden will interweave Michigan native species with plants that originate around the world but thrive in Detroit. Eastern prickly pear, Himalayan primrose, and Ethiopian love grass will bloom alongside Michigan lilies and Northern honeysuckle. Audio poems will be installed throughout. Attendees will get a sneak peek at this poetry installation and be presented with the opportunity to learn more and contribute to this developing project.
- 4PM: Welcome! Settle in, grab food, mingle.
- 4:30PM: Audio installation listening experience
- 5PM: Live music and poetry performances with FIELD TRIP
- 6PM: Audio installation listening experience (if you missed it the first time around!)
Additional Information
- All Poetry Foundation events are completely free of charge and open to the public.
- Advanced registration is encouraged but not required. Walk-ins are also welcome.
- The space is outdoors. It is wheelchair-accessible. This event is rain or shine. Bring a picnic blanket if you’d like!
- The program will feature ASL interpretation.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00
