Having worked with a number of writers over the years
on our residential courses, we found the best when we discovered Mario
Petrucci.
Time after time throughout the week, he delivered
meticulously planned, wonderfully inventive workshops that challenged students
to
push their language skills to the limits. Every part of the writing process was
addressed, from stimulating the spark of an idea to
polishing the “finished” piece, be it for page or
performance.
Mario instils in students the need for rigour without
deflating their enthusiasm for writing, creating a balance between creative
energy
and attention
to detail that helps young writers to reach new levels in their poetry and
prose. His commitment to ensuring that
each
student feels valued and included is clear and he
displays a sensitivity in his relationship with young people that makes him
very approachable.
In performing his own work, Mario conveys a sincerity
of energy and feeling. Unafraid of
difficult issues and complex ideas, his readings
are
stimulating and unpatronising and provide an ideal model for aspiring young
writers and performers.
Mario is a writer of huge warmth, compassion and
generosity. He makes his instructions
and expectations clear to students and
they respond
with writing that they did not feel themselves capable of.
Steve Walker
Walcott Hall Residency
June 2007