'Literatura Fronteriza' Celebrates Letters on the Border May 5-7

Poets, novelists, essayists and literary critics will gather their pens and pads here May 5-7 for a binational meeting known as "Literatura Fronteriza: Letras en el Borde 2000," scheduled 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 writers of all interests an opportunity to explore their craft with masters and peers.

"We've assembled some impressive presenters who will lead discussions 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 5 p.m. 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 presentations of papers on border literature and readings by poets and writers from their respective works in the afternoon.

Scheduled to participate are Socorro Tabuenca and Arturo Zarate of the Colegio de la Frontera and Miguel Rodriguez Lozano and Claire Joysmith of the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico.

Additional writers scheduled throughout the Conference include Maria Cavazos, Jesus De Leon Serratos, Marcos Rodriguez Leija, Rebecca Bowman, Federico Shaffler, Guillermo Lavin, Jose Luis Velarde, Roberto de la Torre, Jose Cardona, Raquel Valle Senties and Teresa Palomo Acosta.

The conference returns to Nuevo Laredo's Casa de la Cultura on Sunday, beginning at 11 a.m.

Paloma Acosta, published poet, will present a special Taller/Workshop 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.

Taller/Workshop participation will be limited to 12 participants. The cost will be $60 per person.

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