Live to Read Selection to be Distributed Free at Local Libraries

Don't Miss the Chance to Pick Up a Copy

The first annual Live to Read is coming to a close, but don't let that stop you from picking up a copy of this year's selection, Ruined by Lynn Nottage, a Pulitzer Prize winning play about life in the war-ravaged  Democratic Republic of the Congo. The play, based on Nottage's own travels through the region, is an eye-opening and often brutal account of the atrocities that can occur when corruption and violence rule in place of law and reason. Despite the suffering of her characters and the weight of her subject, Nottage manages to weave humor and familiarity into the narrative, making for an engrossing read, and a stunning theatrical production. The memory of the story lingers long after leaving the theater or putting down the book.

Copies of the Dramatist Play Service version of the book will be available throughout the week (first come first served) at the Anacostia Neighborhood Library, the Dorothy I. Height/Benning Library, the MLK Memorial Library, the Southwest Neighborhood Library, and the Tenley-Friendship Library.

Live to Read is Washington, DC's city-wide celebration of literature. This year's selected work of literature is Ruined, a Pulitzer Prize-winning play written by Lynn Nottage. The play is currently running at Arena Stage.

Live to Read Partners Stage Poetry Workshop

Read One Participant's Powerful Work

As part of the first annual Live to Read, the Humanities Council, Split This Rock Poetry, and Beltway Poetry Quarterly held a creative writing workshop called "Breaking the Silence." The program mirrored the themes of Lynn Nottage's Ruined, this year's Live to Read literature selection. The event received great feedback from the participants including the following note from Brenda Bunting. Thank you, Brenda, for allowing us to feature your work!

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"I very much enjoyed the Breaking the Silence Workshop. It was invaluable to me as a poet/writer and sexual abuse survivor. Here is the poem I wrote from the workshop. I hope you will add it to the blog."

-Brenda Bunting

Wreaked
My clothes are neatly folded blood spattered
soaked with semen and dried by the sun
In daylight I walk darkly stiff sore afraid
To go to the hospital fearful of the police
Officer Vicious visited my home last night
Told me to be quiet so I will be silent until
I realize it was my fault only then I get to speak
I will sleep in the same bed I was raped in
I will smile at my children and continue to care
I will excel at the college do my homework
and look forward to graduation
I will not go to the Rape Crisis Center
I will not go to any physician or doctor
I will pretend this never happened until
I believe it never happened.


Live to Read is Washington, DC's city-wide celebration of literature. This year's selected work of literature is Ruined, a Pulitzer Prize-winning play written by Lynn Nottage. The play is currently running at Arena Stage. Next week, the Humanities Council and the DC Public Library will distribute copies of the book at selected libraries. The Humanities Council encourages all Washingtonians to read and discuss the play.

"Ruined": A Classic Example of Why Congo Matters

Guest Post By Maurice Carney, Executive Director, Friends of the Congo

The Democratic Republic of Congo is located in the heart of Africa. The country is the size of Western Europe and is bordered by nine other countries. It is currently the third largest country on the African continent in terms of area and the fourth largest in terms of population, boasting an estimated 70 million people. The country is endowed with spectacular natural wealth. It is a part of the second largest rainforest in the world, which is vital to the fight against climate change. The lush rainforest is a true natural treasure, home to over a thousand species of plants and hundreds of species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians.


In the midst of all its beauty and splendor, Congo is suffering through the deadliest conflict in the world since World War Two and experiencing the greatest humanitarian crisis at the dawn of the 21st century. Women and children have borne the brunt of the conflict in the Congo, which began in 1996 as a result of invasions from its neighbors. Hundreds of thousands of women have been systematically raped as a weapon of war and half of the estimated 6 million dead are children under the age of five.


Congo is arguably the richest country on the planet in terms of natural resources. It is the storehouse of strategic and precious minerals that are vital to the functioning of modern society. Its minerals are key to the consumer electronics industry, the technology industry, automotive, aerospace and military industries. Its diamonds, gold, copper, cobalt, uranium, timber, iron, tin, tungsten, and coltan (mineral that is central to the functioning of our cell phones, laptops and other technology and electronic devices) are coveted from China to America. In addition to the significance of Congo’s resources to the modern world, its size and location in the heart of Africa makes it critical to the future of the African continent. It is the fulcrum on which the continent swings. Former South African President Thabo Mbeki says that there is no new Africa without a new Congo. While President Obama proclaims “If Africa is to achieve its promise resolving the problem in the Congo will be critical.”


Increasing numbers People throughout the globe are becoming aware of the conflict and the mass crimes that have been committed in the Congo.  People who are concerned about issues such as the environment, children, women, human rights, consumer and corporate responsibility, and the condition of fellow members of the human family are standing up. Artists, singers, dancers, filmmakers, authors, writers, actors, playwrights, activists, politicians and many others are beginning to bring to bear their talents, skills, expertise and know-how to raise global consciousness about the dire humanitarian situation in the heart of Africa with the expectation of ending the suffering of the beleaguered Congolese people.


Lynn Nottage, the cast members, director Charles Randolph-Wright and all those involved in the production of the play are classic examples of how people throughout the globe can use their talents, skills and expertise to raise consciousness about an issue of vital concern to the people of Africa and humanity at-large. Lynn Nottage’s work is a global call to conscience that resonates with everyone who encounters the play Ruined.


Visit us at http://friendsofthecongo.org to get involved and join the global movement in support of the Congo.


Friends of the Congo is one of the Humanities Council's outstanding partners for this year's Live to Read. Washington, DC's city wide celebration of literature. HCWDC encourages all Washingtonians to read the play and participate in the remaining Live to Read events. Click here for more information.

Cool Reads and Funky Beads

African Inspired Jewelry At Tonight's Live to Read Event

If you are looking for a different type of happy hour at which to unwind after work tonight, come to Shaw's Ghana Cafe. The Humanities Council will host "Cool Reads and Funky Beads" at the eatery with all proceeds going to support Live to Read, Washington, DC's city-wide celebration of literature. A $20 ticket (available here) buys a drink ticket and a copy of this year's Live to Read selection, Ruined by Lynn Nottage. All proceeds from the $20 tickets will support the Humanities Council and programs like Live to Read, and Ghana Cafe will also contribute a portion of the revenue from select menu items. 

Renowned jewelry artist, Elaine Robnett Moore will also be on hand to discuss and sell her artwork. Moore will also contribute a portion of her proceeds to the Humanities Council. Her interest in beadwork began when she served as an international consultant in West Africa, and her jewelry reflects a confluence of the spiritual significance of the beads, her travel experiences, and her deely felt African American heritage. For more information on Moore and her work visit her website at http://www.elainerobnettmoore.com/.

After reading your copy of the book, remember to check out the rest of this year's Live to Read events including a book and film discussions at the Southwest Library, a lecture at the German Historical Society on Ghanaian civil rights activism, and the ongoing performance of Ruined at Arena Stage.  

Courageous Vision II

More Poetry From Last Week's Live To Read Event

Artwork from Courageous Vision at the P Street, NW Whole Foods

My Philosophy of Life

Dale Demonia a.k.a. MC Lord D

To live is to fly like an eagle

and let your spirit run free

and climbing the highest mountains

and reaching your destiny

and never ever looking back

for you may take a fall

and always praise your almighty God

spreading inspiration wherever you may go,

telling all the people things

what they really need to know

like getting out of the fast lane and taking it slow

life will last a long long time

if we live it slowly in our mind

Life is beautiful it's a gift from God,

that's why we live it softly but not too hard.

To live is to be happy with our heart full of joy

and sometimes living our lives like a fairy story

and always climbing up to the highest height

and working through the day

and making heavenly love at night.

But life does have its ups and downs

that's why we should keep our heads to the sky

and wipe away frowns

and never ever putting anyone down

and live our life proudly like a king wears his crown.

To live is to dream life's most beautiful dreams

like standing on a mountain top like Dr. Martin Luther King

and drinking those fresh waters that runs from a stream.

To live is to enjoy ourself like a child enjoys ice cream

and always lending your fellow man a helping helping hand

and showing all God's children just where you stand.

And remember you are one in a billion like a pebble in the sand.

To live is to love, joy, peace, and caring

and whatever we may do to keep ourselves living free

we should always hod to our dignity.

ps. Ther's one thing we must all remember

that life goes on and on

it locks into all eternity every time a child is born.

Written by me, MC Lord D

About Live to Read

This series of programs is the Humanities Council's annual celebration of literature and city-wide read. All Washingtonians are encouraged to participate in the series of discussions, workshops, and live performances held by the HCWDC and its partners which focus on a single work of fiction.

Courageous Vision

Poetry From the Miriam's Kitchen Art Therapy Exhibition

Last night's Live to Read event was a great success. Artists from Miriam's kitchen displayed their works and read poetry inspired by the Lynn Nottage's Ruined, and its persistent theme of courage. Below is the exhibition statement written by Kate Baasch, Miriam's Kitchen's art therapist, and a poem by James Morris.

Artwork from the exhibition.

Courageous Vision - Kate Baasch, MA Art Therapy

The Miriam's Kitchen community is proud to participate in this year's Live to Read. Our partnership with the Humanities Council of Washington, DC and the P Street Whole Foods brings our community together in unprecedented ways- and we invite you to join us. This year's literary selection, Ruined, a play by Lynn Nottage, has encouraged the artists and poets who utilize Miriam's Studio to engage in on-going explorations of what courage means thematically and practically. Through artwork and writing, the artists, writers, and staff of Miriam's Kitchen have delved into the complexities of Nottage's play. The artworks on display here can be thought of as visual records of artists' reflecting, offering, and responding to the challenge Ruined presents us all: What is courage, and what does courage mean in this play; in the torn setting of the Congo; in our own country; in our lives?

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What is Courage

James Morris

Courage, oh Courage, the dictionary says your

origin is France and Rome, Romance Languages

indeed. You began with the concept of hear or

spirit, now you have an English accent of

enduring pain and suffering, not romantic at all.

But, you are still the driving spirit of life.

Those you bless are indestructible. A soldier

touched by you finds enemies hiding in fear not

wanting to feel pain or suffer. Mediocre is not seen when you appear

Cupid, another romantic idea, makes people

embrace, such an easy affair. But when

your sword is raised and put in the hands of

your chosen, his training and more shine

bright accomplishing impossible feats.

But soldiers are not your only vehicle. Teachers,

police, firemen, politicians, social workers and

even fallen heroes that suddenly leap from

the Grim Reaper's cycle like a boxer at the

count of ten.

Many many more heroes abound in all walks

of life. Anybody who can still breathe can

suddenly feel your spirit, and even

if fallen by life's fickle choices

will come roaring back to life

and avoid the final crash.

ALL HAIL MOST honorable

Courage.

Check out more of Morris' work at http://www.poetrysoup.com .

Live to Read Selection Inspires Art and Poetry

Don't miss this exciting blend of literature and art!

After reading Ruined by Lynn Nottage, participants in the Miriam's Kitchen art therapy program created works reflecting the play's themes and imagery. The exhibition entitled, Courageous Vision, will be on display this evening at the Shaw Whole Foods on P Street, NW. The third and final exhibition of the art show will commence at the Georgetown Whole Foods on Thursday, April 28^th. Both events are completely free and do not require registration.

About Miriam's Kitchen

Miriam's Kitchen was founded in 1983 by a collaboration of The George Washington University Hillel Student Association, Western Presbyterian Church and United Church in response to an urgent need for services for the homeless in Washington, DC. Our mission is to provide individualized services that address the causes and consequences of homelessness in an atmosphere of dignity and respect, both directly and through facilitating connections in Washington, DC. We provide free, homemade meals and high-quality support services to more than 4,000 homeless men and women each year through our core programs: Meals, Case Management, Miriam's Studio, and Miriam's Cafe.

This series of programs is the Humanities Council's annual celebration of literature and city-wide read. All Washingtonians are encouraged to participate in the series of discussions, workshops, and live performances held by the HCWDC and its partners which focus on a single work of fiction. 

Get Out, and Take a Walk

As the Weather Warms, Remember Our Walking Tours from Past "Big Reads"

Zora Neale Hurston and Langston Hughes regularly collaborated
on projects during their time in Washington, DC until they had
a falling out over rights to a play in 1930.

In 2007, the Humanities Council launched its first Big Read, with support from the National Endowment for the Arts. That year, Washington, DC read Zora Neale Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God, a novel of the late Harlem Renaissance which explored racial and gender issues in the American South. The book, now considered a classic and a must-read for any curriculum in African American literature, was criticized in its time for its use of authentic Afro-Carribbean dialect, openness about the divide between light and dark-skinned blacks, and revelations on the status of black women in the rural South.

As part of the 2007 Big Read program schedule, author Kim Roberts produced a walking-tour linking Hurston and the Harlem Renaissance with sites around Howard University, U Street, Le Droit Park, and Shaw. The tour includes background on Hurston's life, and the friendships she made with other African American luminaries during and after her years at Howard. The idea for a walking-tour was such a hit, that it became a regular Big Read staple. Roberts produced subsequent walking tours on F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, and Carson McCullers' The Heart is a Lonely Hunter. Last year, for Ernest Gaines' A Lesson Before Dying, Roberts developed an online exhibit about Washington, DC's historic segregated school system.

The tours are all illustrated with maps, and photos, and are the perfect way to connect with Washington's neighborhoods through classic works of literature. Try to do all three tours and check out the online exhibit before the commencement of Live to Read, the Humanities Council's new city-wide read, this year featuring Lynn Nottage's Ruined as the selected work of literature.