THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, July 7, 1994 TAG: 9407060147
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
LENGTH: Medium: 77 lines
Kathryn Thro is the new state poet laureate, an honor bestowed on her by the Virginia General Assembly. Del. George H. Heilig Jr. sponsored the bill.
Her role model is Rita Dove, the national poet laureate.
She has been busy sharing her love of poetry by holding workshops in elementary schools, middle schools, high schools and colleges. Two areas of great concern to her are literacy and anti-violence, and during her workshops she tries to encourage the students to ``get their positive emotions out on paper.''
This summer, she will present a play based on one of her poems ``Our Sister's Siege in Petersburg,'' which is about women in the Civil War, at local colleges. Publication of her first volume of poetry is due in September by Anthem Press.
Thro has done readings throughout Hampton Roads, and her plays have been produced at the Pavilion in Virginia Beach, the Riverview in Norfolk and by Limelight Productions. Her daughter, Kristina, is a junior at Granby High School, and her husband, Michael, is an associate professor of English at Tidewater Community College.
Name: Kathryn Forrester Thro.
What brought you to Norfolk: Married English professor Michael Thro.
Birthplace: Washington, D.C.
Birthdate: Aug. 7, 1954.
Occupation: Poet and playwright
Marital Status: Married.
Children: One daughter, Kristina Lorraine.
Favorite Books: James Joyce's collection, ``Dubliners'' (especially ``The Dead''), and Graham Greene's ``The End of the Affair.''
Last book read: ``The Origin of Consciousness in the Breakdown of the Bicameral Mind'' by Julian Joynes.
Favorite movie: ``Out of Africa.''
Favorite magazine: Paris Match.
If you could trade places for just one day with anyone in the world, who would it be and why? Madame Curie - to relive the excitement of the discovery of radium.
Biggest accomplishment: Before the state poet laureateship, being a finalist in the prestigious Actors Theatre of Louisville play contest for my play ``Quotas.''
Most embarrassing moment: Not being able to reach the microphone at a very high podium and having to stand on a box to read my poems.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? To be more self-confident, less shy.
Perfect way to spend the day: Rehearsing one of my plays or polishing my latest poem, then going to Chrysler Museum with my family.
Favorite vacation spot: Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C., where you can visit so many historical sites - also Paris.
Pet peeve: People who judge others by appearances or on first impressions only.
First job: Interpreting for French diplomats at embassy parties in Washington.
Hobbies: Quilting.
Favorite restaurant: Russian Tea Room (New York).
What do you like most about Norfolk? The culture and historical houses - also the Little Theatre of Norfolk and the Chrysler Museum.
What do you like least about Norfolk? I love Norfolk. My love for Virginia and its great heritage prompts me, though, to seek positive ways to approach the problems all cities face in the '90s and beyond. Wherever there is violence, homelessness and despair, we must also see the potential for beauty and hope. I cannot help but feel that the promotion of literacy and appreciation of literature and the arts is a beginning. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
Publication of Kathryn Thro's first volume of poetry by Anthem Press
is due in September.
KEYWORDS: PROFILE INTERVIEW
by CNB