Poetry in the Park
Read Time:3 Minute, 1 Second
Over the course of the spring semester, The Scarlet Scribes, Rutgers’ interdisciplinary English club, has planned for a literary celebration to take place this May. What started as a creative rendition of Shakespeare’s beloved play, Midsummer Night’s Dream, has turned into a literary festival fit for historians, artists, and literature-lovers alike.
In true Shakespearen fashion, the Scribes have gathered a cast of poets and actors to entertain the audience with various articles of historical plays. But fear not, for this is no ordinary poetry reading. Audience members will be fully immersed into the whimsical renaissance period, with a stage set alive with flowers and antiques, and actors dripping in costumes. Inspired by Shakepeare’s very own Globe theater and the uproar in local renaissance faires, this literary festival will be full of furry little satyrs, dazzling fairy wings, and blooming flower crowns.
In an attempt to creatively revitalize Johnson Park, home to Rutgers Digital Studies department, The Scarlet Scribes are using the existing architecture to immerse their audience members into their magical world of literature. There will be costumed poetry readings with opportunities for audience members to share their own work, or that of their favorite authors, and various stations that will delve into the antique world of our literary ancestors.
What will the festival include?
Aside from theatrical poetry readings, there will be a ring of stations that allow attendees to gain hands-on experience such as learning how to write with historical writing tools, like quills and even handmade ink. Other stations will include live typists, where attendees can acquire a unique and personalized poem written on a 1940s typewriter by one of Rutgers’ very own students. Learn how to make scrolls, the history of illuminated letterheads, and even how to handle rare and old books.
In addition to the interactive literacy stations, fellow members of The Scarlet Scribes, otherwise known as Scribes, will be dressed in student designed costumes derived from Midsummer Night’s Dream, and will be present for theatrical readings on stage and poetic knowledge when scurrying around the festival.
Who are The Scarlet Scribes?
The Scarlet Scribes is Rutgers newest English club. The club was formed in the fall semester of 2024 and has only expanded since then. They are considered an interdisciplinary club due to their academically collaborative nature, combining art, history, and writing into their events. While Poetry in the Park will be a new event added to this semester’s schedule, they are continuing other events such as their Open Mic Poetry Reading at the Writers House. This past poetry reading was held under the theme of Saturnalia, an ancient Roman festival that often included writing and orators. This upcoming Poetry Reading will take place in late April at the Writers House with a theme of Victorian tea parties. Celebrate student and faculty writing with a cuppa tea and some sweet Victorian inspired treats. The popularity of the most recent poetry reading is what inspired Poetry in the Park, driving The Scarlet Scribes to create an even larger event welcome to those interested in the many unique aspects of literature, not just poetry.
Poetry in the Park will be a celebration of literature throughout history, allowing attendees to engage in the wild curiosity of the world’s most creative individuals in an interactive way. Celebrate history, writing, poetry, artistry, and more with The Scarlet Scribes on May 1st at Poetry in the Park. Bring a friend, or two, and plan to enjoy an evening of literary fun surrounded by Rutgers’ very own rich literary history.
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