PoemAlley Poetry Workshop: Exploring the Cento Form

Exploring Cento Form in Poetry: A free workshop

Sunday, March 19, 2023 from 2 - 4:00 PM

Advance registration is required. There are 10 spots open.

Email:  [email protected] to register.

A new offering by the PoemAlley group,

at the Stamford, CT Unitarian Universalist Congregation

at 20 Forest Street, Stamford, CT 06901

in the Community Room

Includes light refreshments. Small group size.

Join us for an exploration of the Cento form, an ancient poetry technique that involves creating new works from existing texts. The term "cento" is derived from the Greek word "kentron," which means "a sharp point," and was originally used to describe the stitching together of pieces of cloth.

In this free, two-hour workshop we'll share an overview of the rich history of Cento poetry, from its roots in ancient Greece and Rome to its resurgence in contemporary poetry. Along the way, we'll also explore Blackout poetry, an accessible  technique that involves redacting words from existing texts to create new poems.

Led by experienced poets and educators, this workshop will offer a dynamic mix of discussion, instruction and hands-on writing experiments. We'll provide a brief overview of the history of Cento form. Then, we'll guide you through the process of creating your own short Cento poems, drawing from a range of texts and sources. Participants are encouraged to bring sample poems or a collection of lines from poems and poets that they love.

Throughout the workshop, you'll have the opportunity to experiment with different approaches to Cento poetry, from cutting and pasting lines to crafting your own original pieces. You'll learn how to select, arrange, and juxtapose lines from different sources to create something new and unique.

As a group, we'll also work on creating a collaborative Cento, drawing from each other's insights, ideas, and experiences. By the end of the workshop, we will have a deeper appreciation for the art of Cento form in the writing of poetry and the beginnings of a set of skills and techniques that can be applied to your own writing.

Workshop leaders: Melissa Slattery and Erika Lutzner

There is no fee for this workshop, and most materials will be supplied.

Participants will receive a confirming email along with preparation tips.

Host or Publisher PoemAlley