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THE WORDS of renowned Australian poet Judith Wright will take on new form at the Zamia Theatre this November, with Brisbane artist Simon Munro – performing under his project name Nausicaä – presenting The Burning Glass, a musical celebration of Wright’s poetry.
The performance will feature two distinct sets: the Black Square String Quartet performing new works by acclaimed composer Robert Davidson inspired by Wright’s poetry, followed by Simon and his seven-piece band performing musical adaptations of her verse.
Simon said his connection to Wright’s writing runs deep.
“As long as I’ve been reading poetry, Judith Wright has been one of those rare poets whose words have leapt from the page,” he said.
“In all the Aussie poetry collections that found their way to my bookcase, Judith’s poems were usually the best, and the ones that cut the deepest.”
Over the past decade, Simon has adapted works from writers such as Pablo Neruda, T.S. Eliot and Rimbaud, but said Wright’s poetry has been a constant creative touchstone.
“After writing 30 or so songs based on her poems, I decided it was time to put together a collection of 12 that felt like they belonged together,” he said.
Simon said the process of transforming Wright’s work into music revealed new layers of meaning.
“Her poems connect so intimately with the dance of life. They have a closeness, and a familiarity. Yet they also manage to transport us to realms beyond,” he said.
“Over time, the songs found a natural sequence, beginning with the myth of ‘Eden’ to the cocoon of ‘Night’ and ‘Silence’.”
Performing on Tamborine Mountain, he said, feels especially fitting given Wright’s connection to the region.
“Each time I climb up to Tamborine, from the Brisbane plain to that earthly paradise, it feels like these songs find their home,” he said.
Simon credited composer Robert Davidson and the Black Square String Quartet for broadening the project’s scope.
“Rob’s ongoing collaborations with the quartet have brought a new dimension to this show – beyond folk-influenced song, into the classical realm,” he said.
“It’s been a beautiful thing to see this show grow. I can’t wait to share it with the people of the mountain.”
The Burning Glass will be performed at Zamia Theatre, Tamborine Mountain, on Saturday, November 15, with doors opening at 7pm for a 7.30pm start.
