The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam translated by Edward Fitzgerald
"Here with a Loaf of Bread beneath the Bough, A Flask of Wine, a Book of Verse – and Thou Beside me singing in the Wilderness – And Wilderness is Paradise enow."
Omar Khayyam, 11th century Persian mathematician, astronomer, philosopher and poet, composed some hundreds of rubaiyat (quatrains) and, in 1859, Edward Fitzgerald made a major contribution to English literature when he rendered 75 of the verses into English. Though bibulous, sensuous and irreligious, the rubaiyat became a favourite for recitation in Victorian and Edwardian parlour soirees and, later, were to be found in the kitbags of many soldiers in the two World Wars.
In a new approach to the text, Phillip Mackenzie is joined by Fleur Millar and dancer Kirsty Duncan in a witty and wistful conversation between the ageing poet and his youthful, if slightly more worldly, houri.
BYO snacks and drinks; doors open at 5pm for a 5.30 free performance.
Donations will be welcome. Enquiries Phil 0407 905 970 or Helen 0403 994 446