Redacted: Exploring Identity Through Erasure Poetry

What happens when you redact a document and let what remains speak?

In this workshop, we'll explore erasure and blackout poetry, experimental forms that transform found texts into new poems by removing, obscuring, or fading language to surface hidden meanings and marginalized voices. Drawing on Mary Ruefle's definition of erasure as "the creation of a new text by disappearing the old text that surrounds it," and on S.J. Coyle's questions ("How can language be reclaimed? How can imbalances in the historical records be addressed?"), we'll examine how omission can be one of poetry's most powerful acts.

We'll move through three hands-on writing exercises: 1) applying erasure to a personal memory or meaningful object, 2) transforming an archived digital or physical message, and 3) blacking out a historical document to uncover silenced voices. Throughout, participants will work with three techniques -- palimpsest, erasure, and blackout.

We'll close with group sharing and reflection on how erasure can reframe memory, transform what has already been written, or uncover silenced histories. By the end of the session, each participant will leave with at least three new draft poem and practical tools for bringing erasure techniques into their own writing practice.

This workshop is open to writers at all levels; no prior experience with experimental poetry is required.

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Details: Redacted: Exploring Identity Through Erasure Poetry with Melanie Hyo In-Han takes place Saturday, October 10th from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM remotely online via Zoom.

‍Genre: Poetry

‍Level: All levels

‍Format: One session craft talk

‍Location: This class takes place remotely online via Zoom.

‍Size: Limited to 25 participants (including two scholarship recipients).

‍Scholarships: Two scholarship spots are available for this class for writers in Northeast Ohio. Apply by Sunday, August 23rd. Click here to apply.

‍Cancellations & Refunds: Cancel at least 48 hours in advance of the first class meeting to receive a full refund. Email programs@litcleveland.org.