Voices of Gallipoli and The First World War
Festivals
Ode is a collection of poems by Rupert Brooke, Siegfried Sassoon, Wilfred Owen, Geoff Page and others presented by some of Adelaide’s leading and long-serving actors, journalists and media personalities.
The presenters were complemented by the inclusion of two returned soldiers, Bill Denny and Bronson Horan, who added a note of authenticity and significance to the event.
Peter Goers linked the readings with interesting anecdotes and comments about the war and the presenters themselves.
Seasoned campaigner Edwin Hodgeman delivered his poems with all the skill of a professional actor, while Keith Conlon painted vivid pictures of CJ Dennis’s Ginger Mick. It was also good to see politicians and public figures such as John Bannon and Jack Snelling contributing to the community event.
In addition to the poetry, there was a reading of a letter by a young Turk soldier to his parents, a passionate performance of Hughie’s speech from Alan Seymour’s One Day of the Year, and a recital of Mustafa Kemal’s tribute to the Anzacs which essentially states that the soldiers who fell at Gallipoli are now all sons of Turkey.
When Bronson Horan read Siegfried Sassoon’s cutting Suicide in the Trenches, there was a poignancy, sincerity and truthfulness that had significant impact; equally impressive was Bill Denny’s reading of Osbert Sitwell’s The Next War.
Veteran vaudevillian Phyl Skinner provided a lighter touch when she performed CJ Dennis’s Australaise, and later when she sang “Brown Slouch Hat” (which she did some 73 years ago as a wartime troupe entertainer). In inimitable style, she finished off with her signature high kick, which is very impressive at the age of 92.
Ode was a respectful presentation of some of the very best poems of the Great War – the War to end all Wars – and it avoided being too jingoistic by at least referring to enemy soldiers in an understanding and compassionate manner. Ode also supported Soldier On, a worthy cause that raises funds to support returned soldiers who are suffering from trauma or disability.
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The venue, the Arch (an old church) lacked ventilation, but the material presented and the presenters themselves made Ode a compelling night of poetry and war comentary.
Ode: Voices of Gallipoli and The First World War was presented at The Arch, Holden Street Theatres, over two nights as part of the Adelaide Fringe, which has now finished.
Click here for more Adelaide Fringe reviews.
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