International Reading Series: An Exploration of South African Literature with Zakes Mda

Alphabet City 40 W. North Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, United States

In this third installment of our International Reading Series, curated by Anderson Tepper, City of Asylum welcomes Zakes Mda. In this program Zakes and Anderson will discuss the breadth of Zakes’ work and the ways in which it reflects and relates to the shifting landscape of South African literature. 

Story Club PGH Story Slam: Last Call

Alphabet City 40 W. North Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, United States

To live is to tell stories. Embracing that truth, Story Club Pittsburgh (created by the former producers of The Moth Pittsburgh), organizes and hosts a monthly nonfiction storytelling series at City of Asylum. The theme for March 2023 is "Last Call." 

An Homage to Geek Culture with Joseph Earl Thomas

Alphabet City 40 W. North Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, United States

The trials of the outcast might be a tale as old as time, but never before has there been a story quite like Joseph Earl Thomas’ memoir, "Sink." In a series of exacting and fierce vignettes, Joseph guides readers through the unceasing cruelty that defined his circumstances, laying bare the depths of his loneliness and illuminating the vital reprieve geek culture offered him.

Contending with Monsters of Our Own Making with Jade Song

Alphabet City 40 W. North Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, United States

Jade Song shares her visceral debut novel, "Chlorine." This chilling and addictive work blurs the line between a literary coming-of-age narrative and a dark unsettling horror tale, creating a shrewd commentary on the trials of growing up in a society that puts monstrous pressure on young women and their bodies. 

Free Association Reading Series: Carolyn P. Speranza, Heather McNaugher, Cedric Rudolph, & Jolene McIlwain

Alphabet City 40 W. North Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, United States

The Free Association Reading Series returns for this year’s fourth installment of intimate readings. This month’s program features exceptional local writers Carolyn P. Speranza, Heather McNaugher, Cedric Rudolph, & Jolene McIlwain. This series is co-curated by Pat Hart and Marc Nieson. 

City of ASL: Letting Language Take Flight with Peter Cook & Kenny Lerner

Alphabet City 40 W. North Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, United States

City of Asylum hosts a night of American Sign Language (ASL) performances in the third and final installment of our City of ASL series curated by ASL Poet Laureate of Allegheny County Mj Shahen. April’s performance features Peter Cook and Kenny Lerner, in addition to two Pittsburgh-based performers. 

The Tankman’s Elegy with Ed Roberson

Alphabet City 40 W. North Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, United States

For this night of subversive and subaquatic verse, award-winning poet Ed Roberson shares new poems from his latest collection, "Aquarium Works." This reading is followed by a moderated conversation with Allegheny County’s Poet Laureate Doralee Brooks.

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