Kelly and O’Sullivan’s collaboration embraces a century of Irish writing,but the seriousness does not quite result in depthWhen it all works, the poetry is the first star of Ancient Rain, and a fresh collaborative project between Ireland’s Camille O’Sullivan and Australia’s Paul Kelly.
The work surveys 100 years of Irish writing,up to Jessica Traynor’s 2016 poem A Demonstration often returning to poems written around, or approximately, and the 1916 Easter Rising. Setting these works to music,Ancient Rain balances a heavy heart for a country that lost many, with the celebration of a country that proudly fought for its culture. The poems selected show a dexterity and nimbleness of phrase, and portray deft pictures of Ireland. Related: Paul Kelly & Charlie Owen: Deaths Dateless Night review – funeral songs buried by lack of ambition Related: Lady Eats Apple review – examination of the epic and the every day bears fruit Continue reading...
Source: theguardian.com