Washington, DC - Teatro de la Luna announces its 19th annual Poetry Marathon in Spanish, "La Pluma y la Palabra" (The Pen and the Word).  This year's marathon - unique in the mid-Atlantic States, will take place on Friday, April 22 and Saturday, April 23.  It will bring world renowned Hispano-American poets to read from their new works and celebrate the Spanish world's greatest men and women of letters.

The marathon will take place at the Library of Congress on the 22nd from 1:30-3:30 pm and at Casa de la Luna, 4020 Georgia Avenue, NW, Washington, DC on the 23rd from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Entrance is free.

Spanish-language poets from many countries, including several living in the United States will be present at the event.

For poetry lovers wishing to read along, a published book including poems from the 17th, 18th and even 19th marathon will be available for purchase during the marathon. A copy of the most recent compilation will be donated to the Library of Congress.

Those wishing to participate in this one-of-a-kind occasion should submit their poems in Spanish to Teatro de la Luna via fax (202-291-2357) or email (info@teatrodelaluna.org) by April 15. There are still spaces available for our open-mike sessions, but they are going quickly.
 
The 19th Poetry Marathon is coordinated by Professor Rei Berroa from George Mason University, and Teatro de la Luna's Artistic Director Mario Marcel. As always during our Marathons, concessions are available, as well as a cash bar, and a book sale.
 
Teatro de la Luna's mission is to promote Hispanic culture and foster cross-cultural understanding between the Spanish- and English-speaking communities in the national capital area.  
                           
19th Poetry Marathon Program of Events
Teatro de la Luna’s 19th Poetry Marathon celebrates the centennial of poets Gabriel Celaya (Hernani, Guipúzcoa, 18 March 1911 – Madrid, 18 April 1991) & Emilio Adolfo Westphalen  (Lima, Perú, 15 July 1911 – 17 August 2001).
 
Friday, April 22, 2011 - Library of Crongress
1:30-3:30 p.m.  Presentation of Poets' Books - Dialogue on Hispanic Poetry Today - Presentation of Poems and Comments by Poets and the Public
 
Saturday, April 23, 2011 - Casa de la Luna
2:00-2:10 p.m.   Inauguration of the 19th Poetry Maratón of Teatro de la Luna. Presentation of the centennial of Gabriel Celaya and Emilio Adolfo Westphalen
 
2:10-2:45 p.m.   First round of invited poets from outside the District (Group I): Rafael Bordao, Kary Cerda, Vanessa Droz, Gustavo Garcés
 
2:45-3:20 p.m.   Second round of invited poets from outside the District (Group II): Omar Lara, María Ángeles Maeso, Médar Serrata, Verónica Zondek
 
3:20-4:00 p.m.   The People's Voice: 1st Open Mike Session (previous sign up)
 
4:00-4:20 p.m.   Presentation of the poets in the anthology Al pie de la Casa Blanca: Luis Alberto Ambroggio & Carlos Parada
 
4:20-4:50 p.m.   Invited poets from Washington, DC, with books published: Consuelo Hernández, Gladys Ilarregui, Ricardo Ballón
 
4:50--5:30 p.m.  The People's Voice: 2nd Open Mike Session (previous sign up)
 
5:30-6:10 p.m.   Second round of invited poets (Group I)

6:10-6:50 p.m    Second round of invited poets (Grupo II)

6:50-7:20 p.m.   The People's Voice: 3rd Open Mike Session (previous sign up)
 
7:20-8:00 p.m.   Final Open Mike: Poetry attacks from all sides of the theater
 
8:00 p.m.          Farewell: Poetry is a celebration that transforms us and makes the world a better place to live.