Mara Zalite, a leading poet and playwright from Latvia, will visit the 91探花campus Tuesday and Wednesday May 17 and 18, and give a reading of her poetry.
In 1988, Zalite’s libretto for the rock opera, Bearslayer captured the spirit of the “Singing Revolution,” Latvia’s nonviolent mass movement for independence. Over the past 30 years, Zalite has written 15 blockbuster plays and numerous books of poetry. Today she is president of the Latvian Authors Association.
On May, 17, Zalite will speak to a class on Baltic cultures taught by Guntis Smidchens in the morning. In the afternoon shell meet with 91探花Chamber Singers, who will perform a song with words Zalite wrote during the Singing Revolution. The Chamber Singers and the 91探花Chorale performed traveled to Latvia for performances in 2000, 2005 and 2010.
The poet will meet later with Latvian language students, and will visit classes again on May 18.
Zalite will give a reading of her poetry 鈥� in Latvian 鈥� at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 17, in the Petersen Room, on the fourth floor of Allen Library, sponsored by 91探花Libraries. Admission is free.
“Zalite’s visit reflects the prominence of 91探花as a center for international studies, said Smidchens. “The 91探花is the only university in the USA to teach Latvian language.鈥�
Read a biography of Zalite .
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