If you like this post, please share with your writerly friends and/or follow my blog or like my Facebook page. You can see all the FREE resources my blog offers poets/writers on my Blog Tour page.
The Androgynous Form of Shiva and Parvati (Ardhanarishvara) LACMA M.82.6.1.jpg
On March 9, 2017, the Jung Society of Utah hosted an event called The Shadow Dance of the Masculine and Feminine, featuring Depth Psychotherapist Theresa Holleran. The Saltair Room at the A. Ray Olpin Student Union at the University of Utah was filled to capacity for the program.
In addition to storytelling techniques, music and art, Theresa Holleran used poetry to illustrate the integration of the masculine and feminine within every human psyche, particularly the dark aspects of the masculine and feminine. She stressed that each individual, no matter their identity, has some balance of both masculine and feminine traits. Only by recognizing those traits, especially the darker traits, can we harness their power for creativity. The audience was encouraged to participate in an exercise designed to identify those traits they may be lacking. Most of the participants were surprised at the results.
The multi-media presentation included video of Maya Angelou reading “Still I Rise” and “Phenomenal Woman.” Also on video, a group of men were brought together to read Eve Ensler’s “Man Prayer.” Throughout her presentation, Theresa Holleran sprinkled in verses from Rumi, Hafiz, Walt Whitman and T.S. Eliot to emphasize her points. She concluded the evening with “When Death Comes” from Mary Oliver.
Since the program was only an hour and a half long, Theresa Holleran certainly couldn’t include every example of the theme of masculinity and femininity that poetry has to offer. Alexander Pope’s “The Rape of the Lock,” for example, portrays Belinda as a military general, displaying all of the darker masculine characteristics, and all of the men quailed at the prospect of battle. In “Three Women,” Sylvia Plath explores the theme of female creativity, but cannot fail to include harder, masculine traits to drive that creativity.
It was an evening full of interesting insights and perhaps more the beginning of an inquiry into the shadowy side of the masculine and feminine than a complete program. There certainly is a whole world of poetry to explore on this theme.
Are you a poet/writer or literary arts lover looking to make a difference in your community? Or at least on your resume? Speak for Yourself Open Mic, a grassroots writing community based in Provo, is looking to expand. We have a few volunteer opportunities for people who love reading, writing, need volunteer hours, or just want to contribute to the local arts community (and you don’t have to be a creative type to do it).
Director of Social Media
This position would manage the Speak for Yourself brand on all of our social media outlets. This would include establishing a fun, provocative presence on such platforms as Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook with weekly posts related to writing and advertising for upcoming events.
Blogmaster/Senior Writer
This position focuses on producing or obtaining content for the Speak for Yourself Open Mic blog and maintaining a contemporary, catchy overall look for the blog.
Features Director
This position coordinates local writers to feature at Speak for Yourself Open Mic and includes duties such as researching and asking local writers, coordinating scheduling, creating fliers to advertise the event, and alerting media outlets about the event. The Features Director would also work with the Blogmaster to create a blog post to archive the event on the Speak for Yourself Open Mic blog.
Open Mic Host
Choose one or two regular nights per month to host the open mic, which includes arriving at 7 pm to set up the microphone and amplifier (training and instructions available), welcoming writers, and emceeing the evening.
How to Apply
Send us a quick email (provopoetry@gmail.com) with which position you are interested in and a brief bio. Attach a resume if you have one handy.
OR
Come to Speak for Yourself Open Mic at Enliten Bakery on 43 E. Center in Provo on Thursday nights after 7:30pm and ask for Marianne to get more information about these and other opportunities.
_LACMA_M.82.6.1.jpg)
Provo Poetry 