On the Bay

Writers Unite at Fort Foreclosure

The Bay Magazine ·

At Words at the Fort, writers come from all over Rhode Island and parts of Connecticut and Massachusetts to read at artist Will Schaff’s Water Street studio, Fort Foreclosure. The monthly gathering, started by artist Jeff Danielian and singer-songwriter Allysen Callery, is a place where writers share their honest poetry and prose with a captivated and compassionate audience. The space, whose walls are covered in years of Will Schaff’s art, conveys its own kind of poetry.

“We’ve seen over 60 writers over the course of the year. And different ages, from 18 to 80,” says Jeff. All are welcome to add their names to the evening’s list of readers, but there is a semi-regular cast of characters. Some nights will see 15 people, readers and listeners alike. Other times the small space is packed from wall to art-covered wall.

There’s no contest at Words at the Fort – no ranking, no judging. “I wanted to keep this pure,” says Allysen. “You don’t have to get up there and be anything other than your truthful self, which is what poetry should be.”

A book of collected poetry and essays from contributors is in the works, but in the meantime you can hear brave voices – and maybe even join in – at the next reading. 164 Water Street, Warren. 

Words at the Fort, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Will Schaff, Allysen Callery, poetry, poetry reading, poetry slam, performance, words, spoken word, Warren, Tony Pacitti, The Bay Magazine, Fort Foreclosure, Jeff Danielian, essays