15 September 2010

Taking the Wives to Toronto

As many of you know, I've been working on a poetry manuscript about the polygamous wives of Joseph Smith. I think I'm done. At least, as done as I can be before working with an editor. I've been writing it for almost the entire life of my eldest son and am pleased to be seeing the end of this phase of the project. I've had some of the poems published in literary magazines (thank you, Room, CV2, Wonk*, Event), a forthcoming anthology, and as a beautiful chapbook. None of the poems are online yet, otherwise I would share links.

But I'm not quite ready to say good-bye to my wives yet. This weekend, I'll be part of Lab Cab, a multi-dis festival in Toronto. I have created installations for six poems that include sound and interactive art/ifacts. I'm both thrilled and terrified. This is a new experience on so many levels and I hope it will speak to someone out there. I'm excited about taking my poetry beyond the page and hope this might be the beginning of something larger.

But before I fly to Toronto, I'll be taking in my husband's newest play, Tear the Curtain. If you are in Vancouver, I strongly urge you to check it out. I've been lucky enough to have seen some of the footage as well as having read an earlier draft. There is a strong buzz about this play and I really believe it is warranted. Check out the trailer below and wish me luck in Toronto!



*p.s. A few months ago, I did an interview with the fine folks at Wonk. You can check it out here.

9 comments:

sweetsalty kate said...

So happy to hear it! Congratulations. You are a shepherd of wives and words. Good luck in Toronto! And see you soon. :) xo Kate

Kerry Clare said...

I think I will come see your installation on Saturday. Looks like a wonderful event!

m said...

Thanks, Kate! Can't wait to tell you all about it over dinner perhaps?

Kerry, I hope we can meet in person! I should be around all day taking in the festival and checking in on my own installation. If you see me before I see you, please say hello!

Ariel Gordon said...

Post pics or I will simply PERISH!

Klay said...

Congratulations Marita! Any chance your show will travel? I would love to see it - take video and pictures!
and have fun in Toronto!

Ellen C said...

Congratulations! It sounds very exciting - I wish I was in Toronto!

m said...

Ariel, I definitely will take photos. I would hate for you to perish!

Klay, I don't know yet. I do hope that if it goes well I might expand it and do it again elsewhere. Ideally, when the book is published I'll be able to do this in conjunction with/instead of readings.

Ellen, thanks! And nice to see you here. :)

René said...

I'd love to hear more about how you have moved your poetry into a visual space, coming from the opposite position as a visual artist who is courting poetry shyly and with downcast eyes.

René said...

As a visual artist who is shyly courting poetry, I would love to know more about how you've moved your poems into a visual space.