"Dylan' opening

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33539, 21 May 1974, Page 10

"Dylan' opening

The Canterbury Repertory Theatre Society’s production of “Dylan” by the American playwright; Sidney Michaels, directed by Jennifer Blumsky, will begin a seven-night season in the Repertory Theatre on Saturday. Based on “Dylan Thomas in America”, by John Malcolm Brinnin, and '“Leftover

Life to Kill”, by Caitlin Thomas, the play recreates the poet’s decline during his two final American tours on the solo-reading circuit. It ran for 278 performances on Broadway in 1964, directed by Peter Glenville, with Sir Alec Guinness and Kate Reid. Guinness received the New York Critics’ Circle Award for his performance in the title role.

“Dylan” appeals to me, not because of the usual recrimination of Dylan Thomas for his drinking too much or his womanising, but for the meaning of his life as he lived it and the emotional circumstances of his death,” says Jennifer Blumsky. “There is more profanity and Rabelaisian wording than some would prefer but we offer no apology for he was profane. However his sensitivity and artistry outweighed this. Perhaps it was the society who fed off him, turning Dylan f the poet’ into Dylan ‘the actor’ which partly accelerated his headlong rush to self-destruction. ‘‘The play has added significance to me, not only because I played Caitlin (Thomas* widow who is still alive) in the 1967 Auckland Festival production but also because of my friendship with two New Zealand poets whose lives were affected by alcohol, R. A. K. Mason and James K. Baxter”, said Mrs Blumsky. Mervyn Glue’s striking physical resemblance to Dylan Thomas, abetted by extensive acting experience, should give added conviction to his performance in the title role. Caitlin is played by Jill Wilcox, and others in important roles in the cast of 30 are Doug Newman, Elody Rathgen, Stephen Betts, Jacqueline Lowit, John Blumsky, Dorothy Hart, and Bruce Baudinet. The single adaptable set 1 has been designed by Margaret Barren