Shaky Knees Presents: Villanelle

Experience the art of the villanelle, a nineteen-line poetic form consisting of five tercets followed by a quatrain, with two refrains and two repeating rhymes. This event showcases the artist Villanelle, bringing to life the rich history of this fixed verse form that originated as a rustic song and evolved into a beloved literary structure.

The evening explores the villanelle's evolution from its French origins in Jean Passerat's 1606 poem to its prominence in English poetry, including works by Dylan Thomas, Elizabeth Bishop, and others. The performance highlights the form's distinctive repetitive structure and its appeal to poets exploring themes of obsession and outsider perspectives.