Grokking the Poem at Home in its Paper Zome, with John Roche, Saturday, March 23, 2024 11 am - 3 pm
—A 4-hour workshop with John Roche
Saturday, March 23, 2024 11 am - 3 pm
in-person at Jules’ Poetry Playhouse
11 Homestead Lane, Placitas, NM (directions and contact info sent upon registration)
We’ll be perusing, and responding to, some gems from John’s collection of chapbooks, mini-books, broadsides, and zines from the 2nd half of the 20th century. Works by Allen Ginsberg, Robert Creeley, Charles Olson, Cid Corman, Janine Pommy Vega, Ed Sanders, Margaret Randall, Larry Goodell, and more. Jules also has a few contributions!
In this lecture and conversation class, with time for writing responses, we will ask:
How does reading a poem in its “natural setting” differ from reading it in an anthology or textbook (or online site)?
How do the physical aspects (size, font, paper, illustrations) influence our reading and appreciation?
What was the aesthetic philosophy (and also the politics) behind the Mimeo Revolution and what was its connection to the Beat, Black Mountain and NY School poets?
What was the connection to Arte Povera, Self-Destructing Art, Dada, and Throwaway Art?
What was its connection to the Samizdat publications of Iron Curtain dissident writers and magazines produced by incarcerated pacifists during WWII?
Why did some of the same poets (and editors) who produced quick-and-cheap texts also produce lavish, limited-edition letterpress books?
How might a reader’s perception of a particular poem change when viewing it in different physical manifestations? Can digital showcases have an equivalent impact?
We’ll allow ample time for writing our poems in response to some of the texts we examine.
In the last hour, we will design or craft our own handmade mini-books or illustrate a poem, with paper and layout ideas provided (with help from Jules).
Handouts and all materials are included.
There will be time for breaks to walk our beautiful Poetry Playhouse grounds and labyrinth for writing contemplation. Refreshments provided such as coffee, tea, water, bagels, fruit, chips, cookies, etc. We have a mini-fridge and microwave if you choose to bring a lunch.
No refunds; however, you may apply the fee to another class or merchandise if you need to cancel. COVID safety precautions are encouraged. Please let us know if you are sick and we will kindly give you a credit for a future class, book(s), or merchandise.
If you need a payment plan or reduced tuition or have other questions, please email jules@poetryplayhouse.com
Meet your instructor: John Roche
John Roche lives in Placitas, New Mexico, helping Jules Nyquist run Jules’ Poetry Playhouse and edit Poetry Playhouse Publications. He taught Literature and Creative Writing classes for decades at various colleges and was formerly President of Just Poets in Rochester, NY, a member of the board of BOA Editions, chief organizer of the Black Mountain North Symposium, and an instigator of the annual Cloudburst Council poets' retreat in the Finger Lakes. Along with editing the five-volume Poets Speak series and other anthologies (including Mo' Joe), his own poetry collections include On Conesus, Topicalities, Road Ghosts, The Joe Poems: The Continuing Saga of Joe the Poet, Joe Rides Again: Further Adventures of Joe the Poet, and the forthcoming Tubbables.
