Martha Whythblath's tragic death was a shock to poetry lovers everywhere, especially in Asheville. In accordance with her family's wishes, we will be hosting a reception and memorial service open to her friends, fans, and anyone interested in learning about her and the influence she has had on this community.
This is a memorial service for a fictional person invented by Justin Evans and Kristen Aldrich. Martha is a way to collectively mourn and admire the artists and friends they've known
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But attendees are encouraged to invent their own memories of her as well. The performance will include an opportunity for community members to share memories of her work and life, readings of her poetry, and a recreation of the experimental performance "Invocation of Lightness", which was originally performed in 1994. Please consider bringing a remembrance or a poem of your own to attribute to her.
Martha was known for a style of writing and performance that was often both vulnerable and abrasive. Abstract but inviting. Join us for an evening of poetry and communion to celebrate those we have lost and those we still have with us.
This event premiered at the Asheville Fringe Festival.
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Justin William Evans is a poet, playwright, and teacher in North Carolina. His writing has appeared in the Swannanoa Review, Blood Orange Review, Boulevard, and elsewhere.
Before regrettably leaving the great city of Asheville, his writing credits for the stage included A Tonguey Kiss for Samuel Davidson (Anam Cara Theatre Company), Satan v. Laundry (as a member of the experimental theater ensemble Accordion Time Machine), and The 30th Annual Bernstein Family Christmas Spectacular (as co-writer at The Magnetic Theatre).
He holds an MFA from Queens University of Charlotte and teaches in the Film Studies Department at UNCC.