Poe-sers – The Raven

Thursday January 18, 2024 – 6pm

Central Free Library, 1901 Vine Street

In collaboration with The Literature Department of Free Library of Philadelphia

Poe-sers is an autobiographical performance piece. The stories of four personas: child, victim, woman and The Raven – the overseer of them all.  They are a keeper of secrets that finds a soulmate in Edgar Allan Poe. The rhythmic counting of OCD keeps them in control of a bit of sanity. Bonding to books and an allegiance to the poems of childhood are the glue which holds the pieces, slightly, together.

Susan DiPronio – the woman – the author of “Poe-sers” (they, she) a queer published writer of poetry, plays, films, essays, an award-winning analog photographer, recipient of ‘The Art for Change Grant’ & ‘The Transformation Award’ from The Leeway Foundation. Their photos, films, plays have been shown worldwide.

Wendie Hetherington – The Raven – Winner of the voice of Poe contest. Her’s is the voice in The Edgar Allan Poe Cottage in New York City and also on their website. She also performed in the Edgar Allan Poe Historic site in Philadelphia.

Gab Fischetti (they/them) is a queer actor who lives in West Philadelphia. They are presently on the artistic team of EgoPo Classic Theater and are happy to be a part of this piece. They look forward to exploring new, artistic avenues.

Carly L. Bodnar (she/they) is a Philadelphia based screen and stage director, teaching artist, coach, and performer. Carly is the Co-Artistic Director and founding member of ReVamp Collective, a feminist artist collective. BA in Theatre from Temple University with a minor in Art History. Carly is an alum of the 2018 Directors Lab West, Directors Gathering Member, and SDC Associate Member www.carlyLbodnar.com.

Elwood (any pronouns) is a performer and choreographer form Bangor, Maine. They received a degree in theater and dance at Oberlin College and continue to create work at the intersection of both of those mediums.