Durcan’s poems are risk-taking explorations of where tragedy and comedy meet in contemporary Ireland. A selection of his finest work is gathered in a book
Durcan’s poems are risk-taking explorations of where tragedy and comedy meet in contemporary Ireland. A selection of his finest work is gathered in a new book
Bearú, New Ross, review: why aren’t more towns producing this kind of confident and unpretentious food? But the poems can also be daring, directly personal as well as directly political. It is hard to think of another poet in these islands who has written such searing poems against violence and cruelty and the politics of hate. It is also difficult to think of another male poet who has written such brave works of self-examination.
Poet Paul Durcan favours what is desperately funny, or what might seem so. Photograph : Bryan O'Brien The poems have a casual, throwaway air. If Durcan is tempted to offer the end of a line a consoling soft sound, he will stop himself. If a poem is taking on the form of a ballad, he will cut back on easy transitions. He likes the untidy mind; he enjoys creating characters who are easily distracted and observe them talking or musing or watching. And then he focuses the poem with an unexpected turn in the diction or in the perception. He gives us a line of pure surprise.
Paul-Durcan Colm-Toibin Gate-Theatre Dublin Eamon-De-Valera
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
New Irish comedy starring Colm Meaney and Paul Reiser promises lots of laughsWritten and produced by Mad About You and Aliens star Reiser, The Problem with People is a heartwarming comedy about family, world peace... and sheep.
Read more »
OFF THE BALL BREAKFAST: Leinster 2024/25 preview, Graham Hunter on the Champions League, Tommy Rooney, Sam Lee on Man CityWelcome to this Tuesday’s Off The Ball Breakfast podcast - Nathan Murphy & Colm Boohig are acco...
Read more »
Colm and Caitriona Kirwan release their self-titled debut albumAs I listen to this great new album from Kirwan, one thing that stands out very clearly, even today, where there are just not very many sure things, this is one you can take to the bank.
Read more »
‘Your voice will be heard’: Over 160 contacts made to gardaí regarding schools abuse inquiryDet Chief Superintendent Colm Noonan said the crimes are ‘insidious’ and have a ‘lifelong effect’
Read more »
Colm O'Rourke Meath successor latest as two nominations receivedMeath GAA clubs have nominated two coaches to succeed O'Rourke, but county chiefs can go and head hunt their own manager
Read more »
Star Trek statue: Should Colm Meaney's character be honoured?Colm Meaney played Chief Miles O'Brien in two 'Star Trek' shows from 1987 to 1999 who, according to Star Trek lore, was born in Killarney
Read more »