Writers House hits the radio airwaves
While students were bundled up against the cold last night, the Writers House offered a warm, intimate refuge.
The Daily Pennsylvanian
January 23, 2001
Over 40 University students, professors and community members got a behind-the-scenes look at the first "Live at the Writers House" show of the year. The radio taping, broadcast on WXPN 88.5, airs readings primarily from Philadelphia-area writers once a month.
"It was a very dynamic show," said Andrew Zitcer, the show's new director and a College of Arts and Sciences staff member.
Writers House program director Heather Starr said Writers House staffers "strive to make it a show that represents the spectrum of talent in Philadelphia."
This was the 25th episode for one of the Writers House's longest running programs, according to Starr. The show started in 1997.
Indeed, a wide variety of talent was present. Area high school students, Penn and Temple graduate students and published writers read from selections covering everything from Asian-American identity to an overheard subway conversation.
"They usually mix it up," Writers House resident intern Kirsten Thorpe said. "The point is to get different kinds of writers in order to represent Philadelphia."
Before the show, Zitcer told the audience to applaud gently for radio listeners, describing it as a "tepid and boring" clap. Then, he told them to let loose with the clapping and show their enthusiasm.
Speaker Elizabeth Scanlon, who is associate editor of American Poetry Review, said the program brings together diverse writing styles and musicians.
"I think it's pretty distinctive that they're doing poetry readings on the air," Scanlon added.
Central High School senior Van Tu read poetry from the culmination of a youth arts writing workshop for Asian-American females.
The readers did a rehearsal taping before the evening event.
"It's very nerve-wracking, but the whole practice made it a lot more comfortable," Tu said.
On the other hand, Scanlon said that "doing it twice made it less impromptu."
Monday's event previewed upcoming community events, giving musicians and writers a chance to plug future performances.
The show will air next Sunday, January 28.