Paradise Lost Found at Dunedin City Library

Paradise Lost Found at Dunedin City Library

Dunedin, 12 April 2013 – The first instalment of John Milton’s epic poem, Paradise Lost, will be read aloud at the Dunedin City Library on Wednesday 24 April at 5.30pmby Dunedin scholar, John Hale, and an experienced team of performers from throughout Dunedin, including Globe Theatre actors, John Watson and Louise Petherbridge.

John Hale is the author of six books about Milton, and has for many years mounted marathon, all-day performances of this iconic poem. This year, the event is moving to the Dunedin City Library, and is reconceived as a series of two-hour readings. This opening event will include an explanation of the poem, its status in English literature, and the reasons why it is best heard aloud, rather than read silently.

Paradise Lost is the work of a poet who went blind in his forties, and so trusted his inspired voice to speak his mind. The poem is thus designed to be read aloud, and accordingly, we gain a special understanding of the poem when it is spoken or heard.

The poem recounts the story of Adam and Eve, of how they were first created, innocent and blameless and loving, before being tempted to reach out for more, especially for forbidden knowledge. The poem describes how they fell from grace, what became of them, and why human life is as it is today.

This event is a fantastic opportunity for curious newcomers to discover Paradise Lost, as well as for fans of Milton’s work to reconnect with it. If this first performance proves successful, the remainder of the poem will be performed as a series of two-hour events throughout the winter, that audience members can enjoy separately, or as part of a whole. Audience members are encouraged to book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Live Reading: Paradise Lost
Get swept away in the first instalment of Milton’s epic poem. Introduced by Dunedin scholar, John Hale and read by a passionate cast of performers.
Wednesday 24 April, 5.30pm – 7.30pm
4th Floor, City Library
FREE
Bookings essential: 03 474 3690 or library@dcc.govt.nz

ENDS

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