A conversation between Cuban-American poet Richard Blanco and writer Gustavo Pérez-Firmat, who will address issues such as cultural identity, displacement, and the Cuban diaspora, and how these have helped drive their creative impulse and are reflected in their respective writings. The authors will also read selections from their work germane to the conversation. Co-sponsored by Americas Society.
Richard Blanco is the recipient of the prestigious Agnes Lynch Starett Award and was the featured poet at President Barck Obama’s second inauguration. He is the author of several poetry books, including City of a Hundred Fires (1997); Nowhere But Here (2004); Directions to The Beach of the Dead, winner of the 2006 PEN American Center Beyond Margins Award; and most recently, Looking for the Gulf Motel (2012).
Gustavo Pérez-Firmat is the author of many books and numerous essays and reviews. His books of literary and cultural criticism include, among others: The Havana Habit (2010); Tongue Ties (2003); Cincuenta lecciones de exilio y desexilio (2000); My Own Private Cuba (1999); and Life on the Hyphen (1994). He is the recipient of many awards and fellowhips, and in 2004 was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. He is currently the David Feinson Professor in the Humanities at Columbia University.
In English
THE AMERICAS SOCIETY
680 Park Ave. (Park Ave. @ 68th St.), NYC
Admission:
This is an exclusive event open only to active CCCNY members or sustaining AS Members.
SPACE IS LIMITED
CCCNY active members should RSVP at: cccofny@aol.com
