An Evening of Poetry, Spoken and Signed

Please join the NBMAA for a dynamic, multi-disciplinary program exploring intersections between poetry, film, and sign language. An Evening of Poetry, Spoken and Signed will feature former NEW/NOW artist Francisca Benítez (b. 1974, Santiago, Chile), together with students from the American School for the Deaf (ASD) and the Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts.

The evening will begin with poetry performances by students of the American School for the Deaf and Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts. Marking the 5th year of collaboration between the two schools, students will present original voiced and American Sign Language (ASL) poems they created together under the mentorship of poets and teachers.

Performances will be followed by the premiere screening of Francisca Benítez’s new film ASL poetry workshops, 2017–19. This compelling film documents poetry workshops that were part of her 2017–18 NEW/NOW show, featuring students of the ASD in conjunction with the their Bicentennial celebration.

ASL interpreters will be present.

Schedule:
6 p.m. Reception (light snacks and refreshments)
6:15 p.m. Opening remarks by NBMAA staff [with ASL interpreters]
6:20 p.m. Introduction of poetry performance by Tom Nicotera [with ASL interpreters]
6:30-7:30 p.m. Poetry performance [with ASL interpreters]
7:40 p.m. Francisca Benítez remarks [with ASL interpreters]
7:45-8 p.m. Screening of Francisca Benítez’s new film ASL poetry workshops, 2017–19