Ball State University Libraries

Indiana Poet Laureate Curtis L. Crisler to Showcase "Indiana Chitlin Circuit" and New Poetic Forms at Ball State University Libraries.

Ball State University Libraries and the Creative Writing program will host a unique evening of literary performance and innovation featuring Indiana Poet Laureate Curtis L. Crisler. The event, which is free and open to faculty, staff, students, and the local Muncie community, will take place in Bracken Library, Room 104 at 6:30 p.m.

The evening will highlight Crisler’s significant contribution to the literary world: the Indiana Chitlin Circuit and the sonastic poetry form- a form of poetry pioneered by Crisler. Joining Crisler for the performance will be distinguished faculty from Ball State’s Creative Writing program.

The Indiana Chitlin Circuit is inspired by the historical network of venues that supported Black entertainers during the Jim Crow era. Crisler’s "Indiana Chitlin Circuit" transforms history into a high-energy, collaborative performance.

During the event, Crisler will share a single microphone with Katy Didden, Associate Professor of English and Director of Creative Writing at Ball State University, and Brian Morrison, Associate Teaching Professor of English at Ball State University, in a "magical round-robin." Unlike a traditional reading, the poets do not choose their pieces in advance; instead, they respond in real-time to the work read by the person before them. This 20-minute improvisational session captures the "pride and verve" of the historical circuit, creating an atmosphere of spontaneous artistic excitement.

Curtis L. Crisler, born and raised in Gary, Indiana, is currently serving his second term as the Indiana Poet Laureate. He is a Professor of English at Purdue University Fort Wayne (PFW) and a celebrated activist for literacy.

"We are thrilled to welcome Professor Crisler to campus," says Nancy Abashian, Dean of Ball State University Libraries. "His work bridges the gap between Indiana’s rich history and the future of poetic form. This is a rare opportunity for our community to witness the 'soulful things' Crisler creates in a live, collaborative setting."

For more information about the event, please contact Amy Petts, Associate Dean for Strategic Engagement and Learning at Ball State University Libraries. For more information about Curtis L. Crisler, visit www.poetcrisler.com.

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