Poetry Programs on UCTV

University of California Television offers a unique selection of culturally diverse poetry-related programs, ranging from intimate interviews to dramatic readings. UCTV is a 24-hour channel broadcasting the best in educational and enrichment programming from the campuses and national laboratories of the University of California. The channel's subject areas include humanities, arts and music, public affairs, education, science, and health and medicine. UCTV can be viewed on satellite, cable, and the Internet, as well as "on-demand" at UCTV's website. Visit www.uctv.tv for details.

Selection of poetry programs available on-demand include:

"Lunch Poems"

Under the direction of Professor Robert Hass, renowned national poet laureate from 1995 to 1997, UC Berkeley's public lunchtime poetry reading series has been a popular event on the campus for years, welcoming both established and emerging poets to share their work with an eager and appreciative crowd. The 2002-2003 readings are listed below and available for viewing on UCTV. The 2003-2004 series is currently underway and expected to air on UCTV next year.

"Lunch Poems: Brenda Hillman"

This expressive poet uses language to explore the edges of consciousness, as she delves into the realms where the division between the sensual and the spiritual begin to dissolve. Her collective renown for exquisite word play has resulted in two Pushcart Prizes, a Guggenheim Foundation Fellowship, and the Delmore Schwartz Memorial Award for Poetry. Available for viewing on-line at: http://www.uctv.tv/library-test.asp?showID=7944

"Lunch Poems: Li-Young Lee"

This up and coming, yet highly acclaimed young poet challenges the traditional institutions of memory, family, culture, and history in the vibrant, poetic fusion that can only be described as his work. Available for viewing on-line at: http://www.uctv.tv/library-test.asp?showID=7946

"Lunch Poems: Mary Ruefle"

Mary Ruefle dares to extend and challenge the territory of literature in her trademark, cutting edge fashion that her ever-loyal audiences have come to love. (Recommended for an adult audience). Available for viewing on-line at: http://www.uctv.tv/library-test.asp?showID=7948

"Lunch Poems: Luis Rodriguez"

This award winning and charismatic poet speaks of urban life in a strikingly dynamic voice. Drawing from his off-the-cuff, life experiences as a source of inspiration, Rodriguez transforms his natural sense of “street smarts” into poetic genius. Available for viewing on-line at: http://www.uctv.tv/library-test.asp?showID=7950

"Lunch Poems: Cornelius Eady"

In a powerful reading of his work, Eady recites like a jazz singer croons, emphasizing his poetry’s hard-hitting content with finesse. Available for viewing on-line at: http://www.uctv.tv/library-test.asp?showID=7952

"Dana Gioia: An Afternoon with the Poet"

Poet, critic, best-selling anthologist, and Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts, Dana Gioia, is one of America's leading contemporary men of letters and is internationally recognized for his role in reviving rhyme, meter, and narrative in contemporary poetry. In this presentation, Gioia talks about the state of poetry in American culture and reads from his and other poets' works. Available for viewing on-line at: http://www.uctv.tv/library-test.asp?showID=5855

"Stealing Fire From the Cold Lions: The Poetry of Angela Jackson"

Poet Angela Jackson uses a variety of voices and themes in an entertaining reading. Available for viewing on-line at: http://www.uctv.tv/library-test.asp?showID=5801

"An Interview with the Taco Shop Poets"

UCSB Professor Francisco Lomeli interviews The Taco Shop Poets, a group of guerilla-type poets who began literally in the streets near taco shops in San Diego. Realizing that poetry could be shared openly as a form of immediate, on the spot, community communication, they have created their own brand of poetry. Available for viewing on-line at: http://www.uctv.tv/library-test.asp?showID=7912

"Flying Words"

The Flying Words Project consists of deaf poet, Peter Cook, and his hearing collaborator, Kenny Lerner. Together the two have created a rich and vital form of performance art combining ASL signing, mime, movement, and spoken word. Available for viewing on-line at: http://www.uctv.tv/library-test.asp?showID=5756

"Rumi and the Play of Poetry"

Noted translator and poet Coleman Barks presents the poetry of 13th century Afghan-born Sufi mystic and poet, Jelaluddin Rumi. Bark's intense and artful translations convey Rumi's insights into the human heart and its longing for passion and daring. Barks performs the words of Rumi, accompanied by musicians Barry and Shelly Phillips. Available for viewing on-line at: http://www.uctv.tv/library-test.asp?showID=7600

"Jane Hirschfield: An Afternoon with the Poet"

In verse called "radiant and passionate" by the New York Times, Jane Hirshfield's four collections of poetry articulate the interconnection of human and natural worlds. Winner of the Poetry Center Book Award and the Commonwealth Club of California Poetry Medal, she is also highly regarded for her essays which illuminate the purpose and value of poetry. In this program, Ms. Hirshfield reads from her new collection Given Sugar, Given Salt. Available for viewing on-line at: http://www.uctv.tv/library-test.asp?showID=5668

"Conversations with History: An Irish Voice for Poetry, Maire MacEntee"

One of the significant Irish poets and scholars of our time, Maire MacEntee, discusses the influences that led to her becoming a poet. Available for viewing on-line at: http://www.uctv.tv/library-test.asp?showID=6048

"From Memory to Fiction through History with Nobel Laureate Jose Saramago"

A poet, novelist, playwright and essayist from Lisbon who now lives in the Spanish Canary Islands, Nobel Laureate Jose Saramago made his international breakthrough in 1982 with the publication of Baltasar and Blimunda, a novel set in 18th-century Portugal. His novels have been translated into many languages and published throughout the world. He is the author of some 30 volumes of prose, poetry, drama and essays, and has won several major literary awards, in addition to the Nobel Prize. He spoke at UCLA in Portuguese with English translation. Available for viewing on-line at: http://www.uctv.tv/library-test.asp?showID=6598

"Tiepolo's Hound: A Reading by Derek Walcott"

Trinidad resident Derek Walcott won the 1992 Nobel Prize in Literature, has published twenty volumes of poetry, and is also a published playwright. Available for viewing on-line at: http://www.uctv.tv/library-test.asp?showID=5593