At the Library 10/29/26

 Mary Lou Wittmer to Present
Quietus: a Recitation

by LeAnn Kunz

The Washington Public Library is hosting a special evening with a performance by professional reciter Mary Lou Wittmer on Thursday, October 29 at 6 pm. The recitation is part of her longer performance Quietus: Death and the Regenerative Powers of Nature, exploring work by D.H. Lawrence, Edgar Allan Poe and May Swenson. This evening honors the season of autumn and the thoughts of poets who consider death and revel in the regenerative powers of nature.

Mary Lou Wittmer was born in Washington, Iowa, raised in Minnesota and received her MFA in California. She resided nearly 40 years in New York City and performed throughout her life. In recent years she concentrated on an independent poetry project, performing poems with commentary in venues within New York City, Minnesota and North Carolina.

"It is my belief that poetry truly lives when spoken. My purpose is to communicate the poem, honoring its content while giving just emphasis to its inherent music. I recite (memorize rather than read) because it allows for complete expression. My intent is to transport the audience intot he world of the poet-to perform each poem fully, encouraging a transformative experience for the audience."

The evening will be atmospheric. We will set the mood with candles surrounding the piano/reading lounge on the second level of the library. Mary will recite Edgar Allan Poe's "Ulalume" and also D.H. Lawrence's "Ship of Death". There will be commentary afterwards.

Come “bathe in [the] crystalline light” of Poe’s imagination! Perfect for the season!