In this wonderful poetry recitation, four actors present T.S. Elliot’s FOUR QUARTETS. Each of the four poems is dedicated to a theme. First, Sandie Eldridge presents ‘Burnt Norton’ on the leitmotif of ‘air’. Charles Mayer then presents ‘East Coker’ on the theme of ‘earth’. Kaivu Suvarna presents the third, ‘The Dry Salvages’ on the theme of ‘water’. The fourth, ‘Little Gidding’ on the theme of fire, is recited by Grace Stamnas.
FOUR QUARTETS is a monumental poetic achievement that contributed to T.S. Eliot being awarded the 1948 Nobel Prize in Literature. It deals with the endless essential questions of time, the spirit and the journey of the soul in life –big ideas in four interconnected poems. Like Elliot’s ‘The Wasteland,’ The Four Quartets explores the cycles of human experience and our search for purpose and meaning. Written during the chaos, deaths and stupidity of Worlds War Two, The Four Quartets are as relevant today as it was when Elliot scribed them.
The four actors are superb in delivering the difficult and delicate task of taking these poems off the page and out to an audience. Each of the Four Quartets are in a particular set form intended for readers, not listeners. Does it work to recite them to an audience? Theatre company Wounded Surgeon thought so, and its director Patrick Klavins made it happen. It’s a well-thought-out production with sound, lights and set assisting the four superb actors. Topaz Marlay-Cole’s lighting is low key but effective. I particularly loved the single light bulb swinging about. Bella Saltearn’s costume decisions seemed just right for each of the four themes. Her set accommodated each of the four poems. Jamie Hornsby’s low key sound designs contributed to the mood of each theme.
Yes, Wounded Surgeon’s THE FOUR QUARTETS The Four Quartets’ worked as a recitation because of the quality of the actors. Charles Mayer was the stand-out performer. His ‘East Coker’ was delivered in his sartorial Shakespearean demeanour. The deliveries by Sandie, Kaivu and Grace were in a different style, but equally good. The change-overs from one Quartet to the next was seamless.
The problem with poem recitation is that you want to say “Stop! Repeat that last sentence again. It was marvellous but I didn’t get a chance to think about it and you’re onto the next part already”. So back home you go to find the poems and read them slowly, quietly, thoughtfully. Thank you Wounded Surgeon Theatre for sending me back to the The Four Quartets again. Thank you for this wonderful poetry presentation.
90 minutes
Mon 7pm, Tues-Fri 9.15pm
Last performance is March 20
Ticket Prices:
- Preview: $22 + booking fee
- General Admission: $27.50 + booking fee
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