The Language of Life
The magic of the spoken word takes center stage in this exhilarating eight-part series that showcases contemporary poets and their work. Join host Bill Moyers as he engages 18 writers – including greats like Robert Bly, Adrienne Rich and Gary Snyder – in lively conversation, and share the experience of hearing them read aloud before a live audience. Produced and directed by Emmy – winning documentarian David Grubin and filmed on location at the fifth biennial Geraldine R. Dodge Poetry Festival in historic Waterloo, New Jersey, The Language of Life combines intimate, one-on-one interviews and public performances – several with musical accompaniment by the famed Paul Winter Consort. Featured poets include National Book Award honorees, Pulitzer Prize winners and former US Poet Laureate. Collectively, the writers here testify to the full range of human experience and poetry’s power to inspire, redeem and celebrate life. (1995)
EXPLORE THE SERIES
March 7, 1995 | The Language of LifeThis episode features two women who have turned pain and suffering into beautiful works of art and award-winning poetry.
March 16, 1995 | The Language of LifeThe 13th-century Islamic mystic Jelaluddin Rumi is brought to life in this revealing look at his works.
March 22, 1995 | The Language of LifeIn this episode, Lucille Clifton and David Mura explore their cultural histories, , childhoods, race and life in America today.
May 1, 1995 | The Language of LifeThis episode features three very different artists who share an ability to transport audiences and instill hope with their poetry.
May 18, 1995 | The Language of LifeExpressions of rage and forgiveness by Jimmy Santiago Baca, of identity and duality by Marilyn Chin, and of aging and wisdom by Robert Bly.
May 26, 1995 | The Language of LifeBill Moyers interviews poets Daisy Zamora and Gary Snyder in front of a live audience at the fifth annual Geraldine R. Dodge Poetry Festival in Waterloo, New Jersey.
June 23, 1995 | The Language of LifeThe poets talks about the music, culture, history, and everyday moments that have inspired their prose.
July 28, 1995 | The Language of LifeThree acclaimed poets, including Adrienne Rich, talk with Bill Moyers about the power of poetry including it's ability to tell the truth.
