Forms & Features with Noa Josef Sperber

The poet is often regarded as having a mastery over language, but that implies language and poetry have an inherently correct form. For centuries poets have elevated their language beyond grammatical constraints. In our study of anthimeria, a technique that replaces one part of speech with another—such as swapping in a noun to function as a verb, or an adjective to function as a noun—we'll focus on mastery of language by maximizing the potential of regular and irregular syntax. 

Drawing on examples from Shakespeare to modern poets laureate, participants will learn the history, technical aspects, and application of anthimeria before engaging in a guided discussion and analysis of the effects. Participants will be given time to write and discuss their own work, with optional prompts and questions for self-reflection. 

This workshop is for participants aged 18 and older, of all backgrounds and experiences with reading and writing poetry.