Literatura Fronteriza Celebrates Letters on the Border May 5-7
Laredo will be cast in a new literary light May 5-7 as poets, novelists, essayists and literary critics gather their pens and pads for a binational meeting here.
"Literatura Fronteriza: Letras en el Borde 2000" will be held in both Nuevo Laredo and Laredo at Texas A&M International University.
Organizer Dr. Norma Cantu, A&M International professor of English, is chairing the event and says it affords wordsmiths of all interests a chance to explore their craft with masters and peers.
"We've assembled some impressive presenters who will lead discussions and workshops that will provide persons of all writing interests a remarkable binational learning opportunity," she said.
The Conference cost is $25 person. The event begins with a kick-off Friday, May 5 at the Casa de la Cultura de Nuevo Laredo.
It continues Saturday at Texas A&M International University beginning at 10 a.m. in Canseco Hall 101 with a series of lectures and workshops on literary work and the craft of criticism.
Scheduled to participate are Socorro Tabuenca and Arturo Zarate of the Colegio de la Frontera, Miguel Rodriguez Lozano and Claire Joysmith of the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico and Norma Alarcon, University of California, Berkely. The conference returns to Nuevo Laredo's Casa de la Cultura on Sunday, beginning at 11 a.m.
Additional writers scheduled throughout the conference include Maria Cavazos, Jesus De Leon Serratos, Marcos Rodriguez Leija, Rebecca Bowman, Javier Villarreal, Federico Shaffler, Guillermo Lavin, Jose Luis Velarde, Roberto de la Torre, Jose Cardona, Raquel Valle Senties and Teresa Palomo Acosta.
Paloma Acosta, published poet, and Mexican writer Jose Luis Velarde will also present two workshops, known as "Talleres-Workshops for Youth" for high school students in Laredo during the Conference.
Acosta will present "English Poetry for Youth" Friday, May 5 in Killam Library 330 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Velarde will present Spanish Poetry for Youth Thursday, May 4, 2000 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. in Killam Library 430.
Talleres/Workshop participation will be limited to 12 participants.
The cost will be $60 per person per workshop, or both workshops for $100.
The Literatura Fronteriza event is sponsored by Texas A&M International University, CONACULTA, XEFE Radio y Television, Ayuntamiento de Nuevo Laredo, Cultura Fronteriza, A.C., Instituto Cultural de Mexico and the magazine "A Quien Corresponda."
For additional information, contact Dr. Norma Cantu, A&M International professor of English, at 326.2529, visit offices in Killam Library 415 or email to necantu@tamiu.edu.
Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu