Purvi Shah

Known for her sparkly eyeshadow and raucous laughter, Purvi Shah inspires change as a non-profit consultant, anti-violence advocate, and writer. She is curious about the power of language as inquiry and understanding, as a bridge between unknowns, as part of the dreamwork of transformation and justice. During the 10th anniversary of 9/11, she directed Together We Are New York, a community-based poetry project to highlight Asian American voices and experiences. In Terrain Tracks (New Rivers Press: 2006), she plumbs migrations and belongings. Her new poetry chaplet, Dark Lip of the Beloved: Sound Your Fiery God-Praise (Belladonna*: 2015), explores the devotions and configurations of women. Recently she was selected for INKTank, a 12-week residency for playwrights hosted by the Rising Circle Theater Collective.