A message about JAMES REANEY

I have an idea to showcase James Reaney – as artist, poet, playwright, librettist, historian – in the next academic year.  I am contacting his friends, colleagues or former students to host small celebrations, readings or dramatizations, in universities, bookstores, parks or living rooms. Participants could range from many to few. I think it is important to spread the word, as so many writers have been mentored by him, in so many fields.

There has been a resurgence of interest in his work: a volume of new poetry, Souwesto Home, ed. Stan Dragland, was published by Brick Books in 2005, and Scripts: Librettos for Operas and Other Musical Works, with music by John Beckwith, was published by Coach House last fall. The Champlain Society published The Donnelly Documents: An Ontario Vendetta, and The Stratford Festival is performing part one of The Donnelly Trilogy, "Sticks and Stones." In January, the Toronto Masque Theatre performed "Masques for a Reaney Day" (by composer Abby Richardson with Reaney); "In the middle of ordinary noise: an auditory masque" (by Beckwith with text by Reaney) and "One Man Masque" by Reaney. The play "One Man Masque" has been performed in London by Jeff Culbert, and will be in Toronto in January.  Last October there was a celebration of James Reaney at the Central Library in London, Ontario: "Jamie: a salute to the genius of James Crerar Reaney" with readings from Souwesto Home; excerpts from two Reaney plays; 3 songs from Scripts,; and a presentation of The Donnelly Documents: An Ontario Vendetta.  As well there was a scene from the musical drama Terrible Swift Sword. Brick Books launched Souwesto Home at the Congress meetings in London, Ontario in May. Actor David Ferry spoke about Scripts: Librettos for Operas and Other Musical Works. A lifetime membership was presented by the Playwrights Guild of Canada. David Ferry presented "Listener's Workshop."

Thanks for reading this far. If you are interested in hosting something, I would provide material or arrange for books to be sent – The Donnellys is in print (Beach Holme), as is Two Plays, with "One Man Masque" and "The Gentle Rain Food Co-op" (Ergo Books). ECW Press has some much earlier titles available. I could promote events on our website and through our mailing lists.  I am sending this call out to ACCUTE, ACQL, and Canadian Studies. Thanks for any help you can give me in bringing James Reaney's work to the attention of readers, writers and listeners across the country.

Kitty Lewis, General Manager, Brick Books