International Writing Program Archive
The IWP is among the best known institutions at the University of Iowa and the premier institution of its kind in the world. In its nearly 40-year history, the program has welcomed over 1100 writers from over 120 countries. In 2003 the University of Iowa School of Library and Information Science took a first step towards preserving and cataloging IWP's large archive so as to make it available to scholars and the public.
Patricia Hampl Discusses Regionalism, October, 2006
Patricia Hampl discusses regionalism with participants of the International Writing Program. Hampl defines what regionalism means to her and presents her own definition of the term. Hampl speculates that Midwesterners… more
Poets Against the War Reading, November, 2005
This reading was organized in conjunction with the national grassroots movement, Poets Against the War (www.poetsagainstthewar.org), and features poets associated with the Writers’ Workshop and the International Writing… more
Donato Ndongo-Bidyogo Reading and Discussion, October, 2005
Michael Ugarte, a translator of Donato Ndongo-Bidyogo’s fiction, reads an English translation of Ndongo-Bidyo’s short story, “The Dream.” Ugarte shares the circumstances of the story’s original publication in 1974 and… more
Anna Rogoshnikova and Edi Shukriu Reading, October, 2005
IWP Director Christopher Merrill introduces a joint reading featuring Kazakhstani author Anna Rogozhnikova and Edi Shukriu from Kosovo. Rogoshnikova reads a selection of short fiction pieces. Shukriu reads from the… more
John Kinsella Poetry Reading, September, 2005
Poet John Kinsella reads from two of his recent publications, Peripheral Light: Selected and New Poems and The New Arcadia. Kinsella describes how his experience of growing up and living… more
Josef Haslinger, Kiki Petrosino, and Dr. Ma Thida: IWP/Writer’s Workshop Joint Reading, September, 2005
Josef Haslinger reads an excerpt from his short story, “The Battle for Vienna.” Writers’ Workshop student Kiki Petrosino reads a selection of poems organized, she explains, around the theme of… more
W.S. Merwin Q & A, May, 2005
W.S. Merwin answers questions from an audience. He discusses how politics and the media can intervene in the life of an individual. Merwin also identifies poets that have influenced his… more
Andramalech’s Monologue, performed by Hilario Saavedra, April, 2005
Actor Hilario Saavedra performs an intense monologue on a minimally lit, bare stage. The monologue is largely non-linear, reminiscent of post-modernist thought, and heavy with alliteration. The character of Andramalech… more
Goretti Kyomuhendo and Hein Willemse Reading, October, 2004
Peter Nazareth introduces Goretti Kyomuhendo, a fiction writer from Uganda. Kyomuhendo reads “Because I Love this Land,” a poem written by another author. Kyomuhendo then reads from her work Secrets… more
Ilya Kaminsky Reading, September, 2004
The tape begins with Christopher Merrill in the process of introducing the Russian poet Ilya Kaminsky. Kaminsky reads selected poems from his work Dancing in Odessa. The poems read include… more
Yan Mo Reading, September, 2004
Christopher Merrill introduces Hualing Nieh Engle who then introduces Mo Yan. Mo Yan speaks only in Chinese and so a translator repeats what he is saying in English. It… more
IWP and Writers’ Workshop Reading at Prairie Lights, September, 2004
Christopher Merrill introduces each of the speakers. Michal Horvecký from Slovakia begins by reading from his short story “Suede.” Kurt Folch from Chile then reads some of his poems, including… more
Helon Habila and Kofi Awoonor Reading, September, 2004
Christopher Merrill introduces Sandra Barkan who then introduces the African writers Helon Habila and Kofi Awoonor who are speaking as part of the Year of the Arts and Humanities… more
Year of the Arts and Humanities Kickoff Celebration: The Future of Nonfiction, September, 2004
Christopher Merrill introduces Robin Hemley who begins by reading his essay “No Pleasure But Meanness.” Hemley discusses the difference between memoirs and general nonfiction. He is drawn to writers who… more
The Year of the Arts and Humanities Kickoff Celebration: The Case Against Poetry, September, 2004
Christopher Merrill introduces Edward Hirsch who reads his poem “Krackow 6 A.M.” Hirsch discusses the history of arguments against poetry such as that of Plato’s. Hirsch believes that poetry uses… more
Peter Matthiessen Q&A, November, 2003
American fiction and non-fiction writer Peter Matthiessen answers questions about his accomplishment as a writer and political and environmental activist.
moreAharon Shabtai Reading, October, 2003
Julie Englander hosts the reading. Christopher Merrill introduces the Israeli poet Aharon Shabtai. Shabtai reads selected poems, some of which come from his publications J’Accuse and Ziva, Zmora Bitan. His… more
Debora Kuan, Gregory Norminton, and Mirsad Sijaric Reading, October, 2003
Debora Kuan, a student of the Writers’ Workshop, reads several poems. International Writing Program participants Gregory Norminton and Mirsad Sijaric read several of their works. Norminton reads haiku he… more
Brit Bildøen, Barolong Seboni, and Minae Mizumura Reading, October, 2003
The three authors, Bildøen, Seboni, and Mizumura read excerpts from their pieces.
IWP and Writers’ Workshop Prairie Lights Reading, October, 2003
Vasugi Ganeshananthan reads from a short story influenced by the tradition of magical realism, describing a mystical and isolated society of women. Shimon Adaf reads poetry from his collections Metamorphosis… more
Scott Russell Sanders Reading and Q&A, October, 2003
Scott Russell Sanders reads from a number of essays reflective of the theme of the festival, “Landscape and Literature.” Christopher Merrill facilitates the Q&A session after the reading; Sanders describes… more
Writers of Iowa, October, 2003
This panel discusses the writers and writing that occurs in Iowa and how the publishing process affects them. Dean Thomas talks about how in some cases the literature itself has… more
James Alan McPherson Lecture, October, 2003
McPherson gives varying examples of the types of landscapes across the world that have influenced peoples’ thinking and philosophies. He also posits that people can learn from the land. He… more
Panel Discussion: Landscape and Literature, October, 2003
IWP participants share insights into the role of the landscape in literary production as part of the 2003 Paul Engle Day festivities. Luvsandamba Dashnyam presents his paper “Mongolian Landscape and… more
Mapping Racial Boundaries in Antebellum St. Louis: A slideshow by Barbara Mooney, October, 2003
Barbara Mooney is an Assistant Professor of Art and Art History at the University of Iowa. She presents a slideshow about her attempts to use visual materials to reconstruct the… more
Agriculture, Farming, and Rural Communities: Social, Spiritual, and Literary Perspectives, October, 2003
Cece Arnold talks about the conference that is headquartered in Des Moines and Catholic social teaching for creating their policy. Arnold explains seven principal Catholic teachings: human dignity, subsidization, solidarity,… more
Landscape and Literature: Ray Young Bear, Mary Swander, Michael Carey, October, 2003
Poet Ray Young Bear begins his reading by playing a drum and singing a song that he borrowed from Black Lodge Singers of Blackfeet Tribe in Montana. He notes that… more
Using Terror Against Terrorists: The Consequences of Dirty War Tactics for Spanish Democracy, October, 2003
Christopher Merrill introduces Irish journalist Paddy Woodworth who discusses how great the threat of terrorism is to democracy. Woodworth posits that terrorists win when countries become less democratic by the… more
Han Yong Jeong, Yevgeniya Kononenko, and Steve Kramp Reading, October, 2003
International Writing Program participants Han Yong Jeong Jeong recites some of his poetry and Yevgeniya Kononenko reads from one of her short stories. Writers’ Workshop student Steve Kramp reads several… more
Shambaugh House Speaker: Adam Hochschild, September, 2003
Adam Hochschild discusses how to write the first-person narrative without sounding self-centered. As examples of how to effectively write using the first person narrative, Hochschild reads passages from Homage to… more
Reading at Ruminator Books: Brit Bildøen, Luvsandamba Dashnyon, Minae Mizumura, September, 2003
A poetry and fiction reading at Ruminator Books, featuring IWP participants Brit Bildøen, Luvsandambyn Dashníàm, and Minae Mizumura. The authors each read a selection of their recent work.
… moreTruman Capote Award Ceremony for Seamus Heaney, September, 2003
Frank Conroy is master of ceremonies, UI President David Skorton gives welcoming remarks and the reading is introduced by poet James Galvin, a faculty member of the workshop. Nobel Prize-winning… more
Taha Muhammad Ali and Peter Cole Reading, September, 2003
Peter Cole gives a introduction to Taha Muhammad Ali, a well known leader of the Palestine literary scene, and gives an extensive background of the poet’s past. Ali reads from… more
Leopoldo Brizuela, Matthias Göritz, Anne O’Reilly Reading, September, 2003
IWP participant Leopoldo Brizuela reads an excerpt of his novel, Red Moon, and IWP participant Matthias Göritz reads a selection of poems. Writers’ Workshop student Anne O’Reilly reads a short… more
IWP Poets Collaborate with Stefon Harris, September, 2003
Jazz musician Stefon Harris collaborates with IWP poets to set poems to music by improvisational composition. Poets Gintaras Grajauskas, Ethan Kim, Jeong Han Yong, Matthias Göritz, Ly Hoang Ly, Shimon… more
Venus Khoury-Ghata Reading, September, 2003
Julie Englander hosts the reading and Christopher Merrill introduces Lebanese poet and novelist Venus Khoury-Ghata. Venus Khoury-Ghata was born in Lebanon, but has lived for over 30 years in… more
Denisa Comanescu, Kim Young-Ha, and Broc Russell Reading, September, 2003
IWP participant Denisa Comanescu reads a selection of her poems. Writers’ Workshop student Kim Young-Ha reads one of his short stories. IWP participant Broc Russell reads a selection of poems.… more
Curtis White Reading, September, 2003
Curtis White reads from the introduction of his book The Middle Mind: Why Americans Don’t Think for Themselves, a non-fiction piece critical of contemporary American imagination, intellectual life and culture.… more
Joseph O’Connor Reading, May, 2003
Irish author Joseph O’Connor reads excerpts from his book Star of the Sea, which tells the story of five people fleeing Ireland in 1847 during the potato famine on… more
Yan Li, Maung Swan Yi, Ly Hoang Ly, Luvsandambyn Dashníàm, January, 2003
Christopher Merrill introduces this first reading of the Friday Afternoon Reading series. IWP participants Yan Li, Maung Swan Yi, Ly Hoang Ly, and Luvsandambyn Dashníàm each read a selection of… more
Eddin Khoo, Xomxayphol Bounthanong, Guillermo Martinez, and Elie Rajaonarison Reading, October, 2002
The writers each read several examples of their work.
moreMarc Cholodenko Reading, September, 2002
Christopher Merrill introduces the reading and remarks on the recent relocation of the Shambaugh House. Marc Cholodenko reads his short fiction piece, “A Cenotaph,” and follows the reading with an… more
Michael Zeller, Mahmoud Abu Hashhash, Cristian Gomez Reading, September, 2002
This is the first Shambaugh House reading hosted by the IWP. Christopher Merrill introduces the readers. Michael Zeller is the first speaker and begins by reading some of his poems.… more
“China Night:” Jiang Yun, Li Rui, Liu Jun (Xi Chuan), Hualing Nieh Engle, September, 2002
The tape begins while the readings are already in progress. Jiang Yun is speaking, but what she is reading is inaudible. After Jiang Yun reads in Chinese, Christopher Merrill reads… more
Derek Walcott Reading, September, 2002
Christopher Merrill introduces the Nobel Prize-winning poet, Derek Walcott. Walcott describes the process of writing his epic poem Omeros, and then reads from Omeros. He discusses themes of post-colonial identity… more
Derek Walcott Reading, September, 2002
Christopher Merrill introduces the Nobel Prize-winning poet, Derek Walcott. Walcott describes the process of writing his epic poem Omeros, and then reads from Omeros. He discusses themes of post-colonial identity… more
“Africa Night” Readings: Charles Mulekwa, Amma Darko, Kofi Anyidoho, September, 2002
Christopher Merrill gives introductions and Charles Mulekwa begins by reading “Time is Strange,” which takes a humorous and cynical look at romantic relationships, specifically one between a man and his… more
Shambaugh House Open House, September, 2002
IWP Director Christopher Merrill hosts the celebration of the opening of the Shambaugh House as the program’s new home. He thanks the many people involved in this effort. University President… more
Janusz Bardach Memorial Reading, September, 2002
The second half of a memorial reading honoring Janusz Bardach, a long-time faculty member at the University of Iowa and IWP contributor. Katie Gleeson who helped Bardach pen his memoir,… more
Sarah McCann, Zachariah Rapola and Ji-Woo Hwang Reading, November, 2000
Writers’ Workshop student Sarah McCann reads a selection of her poems. IWP participant Zachariah Rapola reads a short story, “Street Features.” Poet and IWP participant Hwang Ji-Woo also reads a… more
Eduardo Corral, Yves Emmanuel Dogbé, and Hẚo Võ Thị Reading, October, 2000
Writers’ Workshop poet Eduardo Corral reads a selection of recent work. IWP participant Yves Emmanuel Dogbé introduces the reading of his poetry. Hao Vo Thi, also an IWP participant, sings… more
David Rosenthal, Nu Nu Yee, and Piotr Sliwinski Reading, October, 2000
Writers’ Workshop student David Rosenthal reads poems from his manuscript, Tickling Catastrophe. Burmese fiction writer Nu Nu Yee greets the audience in English and Burmese, and shares the events that… more
Literature and Politics, October, 2000
Six writers address literature and politics and the dynamic between the two. They speak on their own experiences and talk of their own convictions, perspective and judgment. They also address… more
Aaron McCullough and Viktoriíà Fomina Reading, October, 2000
Aaron McCollough reads a selection of poems from his series Enough Windfall. He characterizes these poems as “prayers of thanksgiving.” Viktoriíà Fomina reads two short fiction pieces. She reads the… more
First Annual Paul Engle Literary Festival, October, 2000
Christopher Merrill introduces the reading, which is the inaugural event of the first annual Paul Engle Literary Festival. He reads a statement from Iowa governor Tom Vilsak that declares October… more
Another Voice of the New and Buoyant Ireland, October, 2000
Mike Finn speaks at a luncheon meeting of the Iowa City Foreign Relations Council. Finn discusses the current economic and social issues in Ireland, the changing face of Ireland… more
Cody Petterson and Adyeeri Mugarra Reading, October, 2000
Writers’ Workshop student Cody Petterson reads a selection of poems. The recording stops abruptly after ten minutes, and reconvenes just as Christopher Merrill introduces Adyeeri Mugarra. Adyeeri Mugarra shares his… more
Writing in a Non-Native Language, September, 2000
A panel discussion featuring Yves-Emmanuel Dogbe, Heng Siok Tan, Pascal Adyeeri Mugarra, and Viktoriíà Fomina, about the consequences of writing in one’s first language or a secondary language.
… moreH.S. Shivaprakash and Jacinda Townsend Reading, September, 2000
Jacinda Townsend reads from her short story, “Waterloo.” H.S. Shivaprakash reads from his poetry, some in his native language. He reads using a variety of poetry styles including narrative and… more
Faith Adielé, Ogaga Ifowodo, and Abubakar Gimba Reading, September, 2000
The recording begins in the middle of Workshop student Faith Adiele’s reading. The title of her story is therefore unknown. She is followed by Ogaga Ifowodo, who reads a selection… more
Writing a Myth: Creating a National Identity Through Literature, September, 2000
A panel discussion featuring Motti Lerner, Abubakar Gimba, and Ptior Śliwiński. The authors explore the writer’s role in the creation of myth.
morePlaywrighting and the Dialog Between Language and Action, August, 2000
Mike Finn begins the discussion. H.S. Shivaprakash discusses shape-changing, different forms of theater, India, and the caste system. Motti Lerner discusses how theater is able to influence the spectator, to… more