In Episode Four in the Writer in the World podcast series faculty spotlight series, Rahna Reiko Rizzuto interviews fellow faculty member and award-winning playwright Rogelio Martinez who teaches dramatic writing on the Vermont campus.
Martinez speaks about leaving Cuba: “a land where trust doesn’t come easily.” In May 1980, when he was nine years old, he arrived in the U.S. on the Mariel boatlift. His family’s decision to leave was fraught with complexities and emotions, which greatly inform his writing.
Martinez describes the effect of primal experiences for a writer, as well the role of authenticity, memory, and commitment, and tells us why writers should be reading obituaries for the amazing anecdotes they tell.
Trust is critical to the learning process at Goddard, says Martinez. As is freedom.
Trust the process. Trust in community. Find your voice.
Listen to this episode of Writer in the World, episode four: “Trust”
Read more from Rogelio, as well as other faculty, alumni and students from the Goddard MFA in Creative Writing community, at the blog The Writer in the World.
Find out more about Goddard’s low-residency Creative Writing program here.
Music Credits
- “The Envelope” by Blue Dot Sessions, Album: Aeronaut
- “Cast in Wicker” by Blue Dot Sessions, Album: Aeronaut
- “Lovers Hollow” by Blue Dot Sessions, Album: Bitters
