The signature art for this intercultural project shows a Muslim and a Christian musician playing a duet. Reprinted from a thirteenth century book of chant at the Escorial Monastary in Madrid Spain

Mythologies & Sacred Verse:

A Celebration of the Woman’s Voice from the Oral Tradition

From the ancient Greek oral tradition comes a story about the lyre of Orpheus and a song that was understood by all of created nature. Likewise, the deer singers of the Yacqui Indians communicate with the deity by means of songs that are understood by the deer, the sunlight, a drop of dew. In the ancient myth of Orpheus, the animals drew near and the wildest of beasts were calmed. So in our own time are we left to imagine its harmonies of peace, and what melody it was, or is, that might possibly draw us close.

We who can only imagine the song of Orpheus are drawn to appreciate its theme relative to other cultures, and to pursue such a song in our own time with a presentation of myth, poetry and sacred verse from different oral traditions that gives emphasis to the voices of women. My creative goal is to “praise,” and to become reacquainted with our roots in the one-time cradle of civilization, namely Sumer (Southern Iraq), Greece, Egypt and elsewhere. Outlined is an attempt to enliven the oral tradition in our own time for a broader audience and to rekindle a respect for some of our common cultural and religious roots. The myths of antiquity were in many cases the “sacred verse” of the day.  Therefore, a recitation from the very beautiful “Defense of Idols” by Maximus of Tyre is not intended as a contradiction to one’s religious beliefs. Rather it represents an attempt to face the struggles ahead with the spirit of tolerance and to cultivate the common ground of our shared spiritual heritage.

"My creative goal is to 'praise,' and to become reacquainted with our roots in the one-time cradle of civilization, namely Sumer (Southern Iraq), Greece, Egypt and elsewhere."

Welcome to Arete Poetics

Arete Poetics outlines the creative work, performance art, and mission of Dianne as a poet and contemporary “praise singer.”

"...to face the struggles ahead with the spirit of tolerance and to cultivate the common ground of our shared spiritual heritage."

Please also visit The Arete Fund, an an educational foundation that was initiated with the proceeds of Dianne’s memoir, Giants & Heroes: A Daughter’s Memories of Y.A. Tittle.

Dianne Tittle de Laet is a poet and teller of myth. She is an author, harpist, and sculptor, who is dedicated to the celebration of heroes and the re-creation of the oral tradition in lyric and epic poetry. Accompanying herself with original compositions based on research and surviving musical fragments, de Laet brings back the myths and legends as a contemporary praise singer. Her programs highlight the poetry both in its native language and in modern translation, giving to listeners some sense of the power and intimacy of the original work.