by InTrieste
A new series dedicated to contemporary poetry is set to debut at the LETS-Literature Trieste Museum on February 14 and 15, bringing together writers and scholars for discussions and workshops on the evolution of poetic language.
Titled “LETSpoetry, Fare Poesia,” the event will take place in the museum’s Spazio Forum and feature talks from some of Italy’s most original contemporary poets. The initiative aims to explore the art of poetry in the modern era, with a particular focus on the intersection of spoken and literary language.
A highlight of the program is an evening with poet Carlo Rettore, scheduled for Friday at 6 p.m. A rising voice in contemporary lyric poetry, Rettore is the author of La tera coverta (Puntoacapo, 2023), a collection that chronicles the journey of a young poet navigating multiple languages and landscapes. Through his work, he explores themes of displacement and rediscovery, with a particular emphasis on the role of the Venetian dialect in shaping personal and collective identity.
In conversation with literary scholar Olmo Andrea Calzolari, Rettore will discuss his book and creative process, interspersing the talk with readings and audience engagement. Calzolari, who co-founded several poetry research groups, including the Jazz Roots Poetry Series in Bucharest and Leopardi Studies at Oxford, is also an editor of the poetry journal Formavera and specializes in cultural outreach.
On Saturday morning at 10 a.m., Rettore will lead a writing workshop titled “A Language for Poetry Today: A Guided (Re)writing Workshop.” The session will examine the evolving linguistic landscape of contemporary poetry, analyzing how modern verse has integrated the rhythms of spoken language while preserving literary complexity. Participants will engage in a collaborative rewriting exercise centered on a well-known Italian poem.
The workshop is open to 15 participants, with registration required by February 13 via email at lets@comune.trieste.it.
Organized by LETS project coordinator Riccardo Cepach and Quarantotti Gambini Library representative Luca Geroni, the LETSpoetry series seeks to foster dialogue among poets, students, and literary enthusiasts. The museum, located in Piazza Attilio Hortis, will offer free entry to the discussions, with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis.
For more information, contact the museum at (+39) 040 6757240 or email lets@comune.trieste.it.
