Poet and essayist Ross Gay on why you don’t need to be an optimist to incite joy

Poet and essayist Ross Gay spoke at Rose Hills Theater on Sept. 14. He read selections from his collection of essays “Inciting Joy.” He shared his reflections on joy and its relationships with optimism, hope and suffering. Gay structured his talk as a collective conversation, with audience members sharing their experiences on discovering joy and passion.

Read more

‘The world is a narrative’: Allison Adelle Hedge Coke brings poetry reading back to the 5C’s

Standing behind the podium in the Pitzer Broad Performance Center, poet Allison Adelle Hedge Coke read an excerpt from her newest book “Look at this Blue.” Her soft, deep, and crisp voice took the audience on an intimate journey of suffering, reflection, realization, and the fights endured for loved ones.

Read more

12th century Sufi poem ‘The Conference of the Birds’ reimagined with spirited performance at Scripps College

“The Conference of the Birds” transported audiences across time and space with modern dancing and music set to the 12th century Sufi poem on March 27 and 28 at Scripps College’s Garrison Theater.

Read more