Ball State University Libraries and the Creative Writing program within the Department of English will host Indiana Poet Laureate Curtis L. Crisler for an evening of poetry, performance, and literary innovation at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11, in Bracken Library, Room 104.
The event is free and open to the public. Free campus parking is available after 5 p.m. on weekdays in General Faculty/Staff (yellow) lots.
Curtis Crisler, who is serving his second term as Indiana Poet Laureate, will share work from his acclaimed Indiana Chitlin Circuit project and introduce audiences to sonastic poetry, a poetic form he pioneered. Inspired by the historic network of venues that supported Black entertainers during the Jim Crow era, the Indiana Chitlin Circuit transforms history into a high-energy, collaborative literary experience. Joining him for the performance will be distinguished faculty from Ball State’s Creative Writing program.
During the event, Mr. 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 what Mr. Crisler describes as a “magical round-robin.” Unlike a traditional reading, participants do not select their poems in advance. Instead, each poet responds in real time to the work read by the person before them, creating a dynamic, improvisational exchange.
Born and raised in Gary, Ind., Mr. Crisler is a professor of English at Purdue University Fort Wayne and a nationally recognized poet, scholar, and literacy advocate. His work bridges history and innovation, blending performance with poetic craft in ways that invite audiences into the creative process.
"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.