The English Department at Sacred Heart University hosts “Literary Spring” every April, which includes a number of activities that promote a community of authors and readers while exploring the literary arts. Activities include open mic nights, theatre productions, student readings, workshops and interactions with authors from areas within and outside the SHU community.
Some events that took place were student open mic night on April 1 in the Edgerton Gallery, a reading and writing event with Oliver Radcylffe on April 3 and a marathon reading of the Odyssey on the Martire Atrium Steps from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on April 7 and 8.
“I think right now we are sort of facing a crisis of literacy around the country. And I think this generation has kind of a fall of people liking to read. Also, the Odyssey has so many crazy stories, so it draws people in,” said Dr. Emily Bryan, a participant and assistant professor of English in the Languages and Literature Department.
In reference to the Odyssey’s marathon reading, Bryan said, “Well we’ve been doing it in 15 minute increments, so people are okay with it.”
Some upcoming events include faculty readings in Martire E148 on April 17 at 8 p.m., and a storytelling competition on April 23 at 3 p.m. in Martire E253, amongst others. The remainder of the events are detailed in the flyer in a campuswide email from Amie Reilly sent on March 31.
As for getting involved with Literary Spring, sophomore Adam Petrosino said, “I am working on the Talk with Amy Bloom, the Live Interactive Dungeons and Dragons Event and Improv Night. I found this involvement through both my position as President in the English Club and by staying active in the English Department community. Coming to these events and sharing your voice can bring a student far in terms of connection, education, and in finding communities where they can express themselves.”
The SHU English Club is essential in planning these gatherings, promoting scholarly conversations and many kinds of creative writing. The group is open to all full-time undergraduate students and occasionally holds open mic nights so that students can showcase their work.
As for how more students can get involved Petrosino said, “All of the Literary Spring Events are built for student participation, whether it be asking questions afterwards, reading their own works, or actively participating in the creation of an event!”
The intention of Literary Spring is to reflect SHU’s dedication to fostering artistic expression and critical thought. It is meant to be a time where stories matter and students are empowered to find their voice, share their truths, and engage in the larger cultural conversation through the written and spoken word.
Source: Salo Pizon, Staff Photographer and Writer
“As is tradition, we kicked off Literary Spring with a student open mic on the first day of the month. Many students read poetry or short works of creative nonfiction, and we had several musicians play guitars and sing,” said Prof. Amie Reilly. “Students also participated in the marathon reading of The Odyssey and, throughout the rest of the month, can compete in the storytelling competition or improv night, and we have several excellent readings coming up.”
Looking ahead, on April 23, at the Dr. Michelle C. Loris ‘70 Forum, the Center for Irish Studies will present a poetry reading with Irish poet Sara Berkeley. Literary Spring, the Human Journey Colloquia Series, Health Humanities, Languages & Literature and the Institute for Sustainability & Social Justice are co-sponsoring this event.
“My favorite part has to be connecting with other readers and writers because I feel like it’s so important and special to connect with peers in that way. Especially since those are the fields I’m studying in,” said sophomore Isabella Vazquez.
Bella Generazo contributed to this article.
