On Sunday afternoon, October 2, I was more than delighted to hear my favorite poet, Irishman Seamus Heaney, read to a full auditorium at St. Benedict's College in St. Joseph, MN. I had heard him before at the original Guthrie Theatre in Minneapolis in 1996 and knew that it was an event not to be missed. Currently the new Guthrie Theatre is performing The Burial at Thebes, Heaney's poetic adaptation of Antigone. Internationally known and honored with multiple awards, including the Nobel Prize for Literature, Heaney is probably the most important living poet in the world.
The Twin Cities are indeed a very literary place, with lots of live theater. MAybe the reason is the weather keeps people indoors in the winter.
ReplyDeleteI have only heard Heaney read his works on BBC recordings, Kate, but that is enough to send shivers up my spine.
ReplyDeleteahhhh, you are indeed a lucky girl.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, it must have been a joy to listen to him in person.
ReplyDeleteLucky you are! Sounds like a wonderful event.
ReplyDeleteWhat a thrill Kate,and to have heard him twice, lucky indeed.
ReplyDeleteHow very fortunate. I'm sure this was an experience you will long remember!
ReplyDeleteAs long as he wasn't accompanied by bagpipes, I'd be there! :)
ReplyDeleteOh my! what a treat. I agree he's THE most important poet alive. [he spoke on my birthday--that makes me smile too!]
ReplyDeleteGood stuff, Kate. I ear Famous Seamus on CBC radio about a year and-a-half ago. To see him in person would be such a treat!
ReplyDeleteGreat opportunity and an afternoon well spent.
ReplyDeleteDarryl and Ruth :)
Gee, Kate, are we still friends if I report that I have never heard of him? Actually, brattcat is the best poet I know. But, if I hear of him coming here, I promise to go listen. OK?
ReplyDeleteI have one of his books of poetry! It's great that you got to see him.
ReplyDelete