The Mermaid Tavern

The Mermaid Tavern is New Jersey Repertory Company’s Virtual Poetry Centre, created as a welcoming space for poets, performers, and audiences to come together through the power of language. Founded as part of NJ Rep’s ongoing commitment to artistic exploration and innovation, the Mermaid Tavern offers a digital platform where poetry can be shared, experienced, and celebrated throughout the year.

The Grand Opening of the Mermaid Tavern introduces audiences to this new initiative with a featured program highlighting the poetry of Gabor Barabas. His work is brought to life through readings by Ames Adamson, Susan Maris, and Mike Folie, offering a rich and engaging interpretation of his voice and vision. This inaugural presentation sets the tone for a series dedicated to thoughtful, expressive, and diverse poetic work.

Throughout the year, the Mermaid Tavern will continue to present a rotating selection of poets, featuring both emerging and established voices. Each program is designed to showcase a wide range of styles, themes, and perspectives, reflecting the depth and variety of contemporary poetry. From intimate personal reflections to broader explorations of culture, identity, and imagination, the series invites audiences to engage with poetry in a meaningful and accessible way.

Born out of the creativity and resilience of artists working through a time of global uncertainty, the Mermaid Tavern embraces poetry as a form of connection and expression. It serves as a virtual gathering place where words become performance and where audiences can experience the spoken voice of poetry in an intimate, shared space.

We invite you to explore the Mermaid Tavern, discover new poets, and enjoy this evolving celebration of language, performance, and artistic collaboration. We hope you enjoy this presentation and look forward to welcoming you to future readings throughout the year.