Event Type
This roundtable examines the distinctive narrative and poetic traditions of Louisiana, focusing on how the state’s unique cultural, historical, and ecological landscapes shape its contemporary literature. Emily Goldsmith, whose work traces a distinguishing narrative modality across the Circum-Caribbean region and explores Louisiana’s literary traditions and their intersections with race and colonial history, will moderate the conversation. The discussion will engage five Louisiana poets: Julia Johnson, Dara Barrois/Dixon, Chad Foret, Brad Richard, and Nicole Cooley. In conversation, these poets will explore how Louisiana influences their writing, especially their narrative and poetics. Central to the discussion will be how ecological and environmental narratives manifest in their work, as well as the impact of hybridity.
This roundtable offers a focused dialogue on how Louisiana’s literary landscape continues to evolve today. Louisiana and Louisiana literature challenge conventional understandings of place, identity, culture, and nation; Louisiana poetics complicate broader conversations of hybridity and form. Each poet will read from their work, answer questions, and reflect together on these central questions regarding Louisiana narrative. We will explore how Louisiana, as such a distinct place, inevitably impacts poetics. The session will conclude with reserved time for audience questions.
