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2010-06-17
Prof. Evan Zimroth: The Two Ways of Writing Poetry About the Holocaust

On June 10, 2010 the Vilnius Yiddish Institute hosted a seminar given by the acknowledged poet, novelist and author, Ms Evan Zimroth. Ms Zimroth is Professor of English at Queens College in the City University of New York. In 2009 she was awarded the Lithuanian Millennium Star by the Lithuanian State, in grateful acknowledgement of her personal and professional contribution to strengthening the cultural ties between Lithuania and its Jewish American diaspora. Ms Zimroth’s seminar was on “The Two Ways of Writing Poetry About the Holocaust.” Her main theme was the three contemporary American Holocaust poets Sylvia Plath, Sharon Olds and Myra Sklarew. Ms. Zimroth focused on what is and is not acceptable in Holocaust discourse; usage of very different techniques, approaches and language; use and misuse of Holocaust and survivor imagery. While being far away from precise historical facts, these subjects were enriching, enlightening and thought-provoking.