Today in Lansing: X’s and Spells at Robin Theatre’s Poetry Room

TUESDAY, Oct. 9 — “People gravitate to people putting themselves out there and being honest,” said Masaki Takahashi, founder and host of the Poetry Room open mic at Robin Theatre. “We all have something to say, and when we say it aloud people are attracted to it.”

The Poetry Room was founded by Takahashi and Robin Theatre owner Dylan Rogers.

“We had this idea and vision of building a poetry community a little more fast paced; more entertaining and palpable,” Takahashi said.

The Poetry Room hosts monthly open mics at Robin Theatre, which can feature up to 27 participants. This week’s theme is “X’s and Spells,” which encourages poets to talk about love, and the Cupid-esque spells love puts people in.

“This is a show for the bittersweet love letters you never got to send,” co-host Grace Carras said.

However, the night will not be without comedy. Husband and wife team Justin and Katrina Tokarski are peforming a dad joke battle to see who can be the most corny and punny.

“At first, it was just a pun joke battle, but then it became very popular,” Takahashi said.

Carras said the Poetry Room helped her go from an isolated Michigan State University student to an active poet in the Lansing community.

“Most of my already limited activity and presence was confined to East Lansing,” Carras said. “I always wanted to dive into Lansing and become part of the poetry scene I saw thriving.”

Meeting Takahashi changed everything for Carras. “He has a very outgoing, gregarious fireball presence and is the best person to have at your side if you’re an introvert.”

Carras said the Poetry Room is a welcoming space for people in the community looking to learn more about poetry.

While established showcase poets are present, there is a great deal of participants who still practicing, or sharing their work for the very first time, she added.

“It is about the people. There were times it was so busy I wanted to walk away. I felt like we built a community, and how much it means to them keeps me going,” Takahashi said.

Other events in Lansing:

Trick or Treat Trail

5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Sharp Park, 1401 Elmwood Rd., Lansing

October 2018 Brew Run

5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Lansing Brewing Company, 518 E. Shiawassee St., Lansing

Lunchtime Lectures: Wreck of the Gimpy Gin

12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., Delta Township District Library, 5130 Davenport Dr., Lansing