June 10, 2004

Very very amusing

article on poetry readings and the unfortunate habit of hiring actors to read the poems.

Blech.

I go to poetry readings all the time. And I would FAR rather hear a poet read his own words - than hear some interpretation.

And yes, Seamus Heaney could make the telephone directory sound like a love poem.


Posted by sheila
Comments

I think it depends on the actor, whether they're just reading for a gig, or reading because they love the poetry, their relationship with the poet and to what degree they understand and/or relate to the work, etc. etc. Honestly, I suck at reading. SUCK at it, and would trust certain actors to deliver something I've written much better than I ever could.

Posted by: Emily at June 10, 2004 12:48 PM

I suppose it would depend. You'd need someone who just wanted the words of the poet to be heard - and clearly - and not try to ADD anything on top of it.

Posted by: red at June 10, 2004 12:50 PM

But the description of the group of actors reading "Wild Geese" - one of my favorite poems - in UNISON ... just made me want to gag.

Posted by: red at June 10, 2004 12:51 PM

I just wanted to add another comment with a WORD in all caps to keep the flow.

Posted by: timmy at June 10, 2004 02:57 PM

Thank you very MUCH, Timmy.

That is VERY helpful.

Posted by: red at June 10, 2004 03:03 PM