Performing arts company Spice and Clove will host a virtual introductory poetry workshop on February 13, offering participants the opportunity to enhance their theoretic and practical poetry skills.
The workshop, which will be facilitated by Spice and Clove founder Grace Hutson, will cater for poets at the beginner level, aspiring poets and those looking to become better at the skill. Dubbed ‘Forms Poetry Workshop’, it will seek to educate participants on the various forms of the art.
Spice and Clove, which was established two years ago, has in the past hosted and collaborated in a number of concerts where poets were featured. Grace explained that it was through these concerts that she realised that while the featured poets did exceptional when it came to performing, they needed to work on their writing skills, and as such, saw the need for the workshop.
Grace, a secondary school teacher currently pursuing studies at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE), noted that having had training on forms of poetry at the college as well as a number of years of writing poetry herself, she is equipped to pass this knowledge on.
“I want to bring back that respect to the genre as it’s not just about putting pen to paper… I want them to have substantial meaning to their work,” she said.
She pointed out that it was for this reason that she started up a poetry Facebook group called ‘The Write Words’ which is a public networking group for Guyanese poets. Every week poetry prompts (topics) are posted in the group to help poets perfect their craft.
“I want to encourage all poets out there. I see my people performing on Facebook and TikTok. I just want to say keep it up, and your craft will take you places,” said Grace.
Initially, she had planned to teach only ten people but realising that more were interested, she doubled the number to 20. Grace pointed out that the limited number would allow her to better engage with each participant. She is advising interested people to register before February 6.
The workshop, which provides two hours of training, comes at the cost of $1,000. All proceeds will go towards Spice and Clove to support its contributions in the creative arts industry. Payments can be made via MMG or arrangements can be made for cash.
The link to register is https://docs.google.com/…/1FAIpQLSeq2FjdaJIz4l…/viewform, or contact Grace via email info@spiceandclove.gy or 688-2049.
