Chen Xiaochun

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NORIKO MIZUTA, scholar of comparative literature and poet with a Ph.D. in American studies from Yale University, presented her poems to an audience Oct. 25 at Shenzhen Book City CBD Store in Futian District during the first session of this year’s The First Reader.

Mizuta read several poems, including “If You Happen Into a Deep Sleep,” “Poem in Blue,” “Poetry Will Wait for Me,” “On the Fossil Museum,” “The Gardener — Garden 1” and “Hydrangeas — Garden 6.”

“One of the topics Mizuta focuses on is time. She expressed that time never becomes the past. Her first poem in the pamphlet, ‘If You Happen Into a Deep Sleep,’ says that time never seems to become the past. The things that have happened in the past will show up in our mind from time to time,” commented Xi Du, a Chinese poet and poetry critic.

Mizuta said Shenzhen is a very modern and dynamic city. She closely watches the development of China’s poetry and culture and thinks that Chinese culture is becoming more and more influential around the world.

Chinese poet Chen Xianfa was also at the session. His poem, “Solemn Chimes Entering My Chamber,” was used as the theme of the first session this year.

Born in 1967, Chen graduated from Fudan University in Shanghai in 1989. He has published several books of poetry and prose, including “Death in Springtime,” “A Past Life,” and the novel “Soul-Stealing Opera.” He’s received over a dozen domestic poetry prizes, including the October Poetry Prize, the 2008 Poet of the Year Award and Fudan University’s Award for Literary Achievement.

The First Reader poem theater is a cultural brand aimed at disseminating poetry and drama. It combines different elements including poetry, drama, music, the art of body language, dance and video.

“The First Reader event releases the inner power of poetry in an innovative way. It’s a very meaningful cultural innovation as well as a breakthrough for the communication of contemporary poetry,” said Chen.

Created by Shenzhen Federation of Literary and Art Circles and Shenzhen Dramatists Association in 2012, this year’s The First Reader lasted from Oct. 25 to 28, presenting seven sessions of poetry readings, performances and discussions at different venues including Shenzhen Book City CBD Store, Futian Library, Nanshan Cultural and Sports Center, Shenzhen Free Culture Space and Hehu New Residence, which is also known as the Hakka Folk Customs Museum.