A vibrant poetry and arts scene had emerged from the rubble of Haiti's massive earthquake. Writers, singers and artists use their pens and voices to deal with their country's hardships and form bonds with each other.
For 10 years, a group of poets and writers has been meeting in a small library to share and recite their works. They have had no shortage of hardships to write about, from AIDS and cholera to hunger and destruction. The artists say they want to give the world a positive impression of Haiti instead of the devastation many people associate with their island nation.
Writers working in Haiti say the country's complexities offer them much to write about and reflect on. But some, like famed artist, actor and poet Franketienne, believe the country is in trouble, and "dying."
Regardless of the country's long-term outlook, however, its artists agree that Haiti's wealth comes from its creative, vibrant artists.
Quotes
"They don't have books. That's for sure; they don't have books. And books is a luxury for them. And we want at least to have them be able to touch the books. And I think that's very important for kids to develop very early this love of reading. That will change his life or her life. That's what we want (to) do." - Evelyne Trouillot, writer
"We're just a bunch of crazy artists here. And we want to see what Haiti can become, then what Haiti will become." - Garnel Innocent, artist/writer
"Now, after the earthquake, I think that my country is in the field of deaths. After earthquake, cholera, after cholera, a nasty election, my -- my country is dying." - Franketienne, artist
Warm Up Questions
1. Where is Haiti?
2. What challenges is Haiti currently facing?
3. Do you think art and creativity are important? Why or why not?
Discussion Questions
1. Do you think Haiti's artists can help the country recover from its hardships? If so, how?
2. Why do you think many of the artists and writers in this video say that Haiti offers them a lot to write about? Do you think a person has to experience suffering to be able to write well? Why or why not?
3. Think about the role art, writing or music plays in your life. Is one of these things important to you? Why or why not? When are you at your most creative?
Additional Resources
Cholera Epidemic in Haiti Causes Havoc
