The Ballad of Reading Gaol
Rehearsing The Ballad. Picture by Fionnuala Gallagher
The Ballad of Reading Gaol
by Oscar Wilde
Performed by: Rab Fulton and Sandra Coffey
Produced and directed: Rab Fulton and Sandra Coffey
'The Ballad of Reading Gaol' is a moving and heartbreaking insight into Oscar Wilde’s time in Reading Prison. It is also the last work Wilde wrote just months after his release from prison after serving two years of hard labour for being homosexual.
Rab Fulton’s performance of Wilde’s poem is a powerful interpretation of the work. Complete with subtle props, Rab’s performance brings to vivid life the harrowing experience of Oscar Wilde imprisonment. Beset by wicked sprites and tolling bells Oscar and his fellow inmates endured the madness and cruel absurdity of a Victorian prison regime - and all the while waiting for the judicial killing of a fellow prisoner
“Yet each man kills the thing he loves,” one of the most famous lines in the poem rings true in dramatic fashion in this performance. It tells the story of a man “who has to swing” as he murdered his wife.
The 600 lines of this poem delivered in Rab’s unique style, weaves the audience through a tour of the prison from Wilde’s eyes. There are times when Wilde’s powerful descriptions stake their rightful claim on the performance. This poem is widely regarded as Wilde’s finest poem.
The show was first commissioned by Sandra Coffey, founder and director of the Oscar Wilde Festival in Galway. It played to a sold out audience in the Town Hall Theatre on September 7. It's next performance is on 13 February 2014 at the Múscailt Arts Festival, followed by a show in Athy Community Arts Centre on March 22nd. Future venues are also planned.
Rab Swannock Fulton is an acclaimed storyteller, published author and freelance writer based in Galway. His books include 'Transformation' - a modern tale of the Pooka, and 'Galway Bay Folk Tales.'
"Rab’s zest for life and his talent of connecting with people definitely put him ahead of most storytellers" - Tribune Life
Sandra Coffey is a solo artist from Galway and just released her first album titled Morning Zoo. Since she began releasing her music, she was nominated for 3 awards. She also founded and directed Galway’s first Oscar Wilde Festival in September 2013.
For further info and booking contact Sandra Coffey on coffeysandra@yahoo.co.uk
Youtube link: Rab’s rehearsal
Galway Advertiser feature: Rab Fulton on The Ballad of Reading Gaol
Listen to an hour long interview with Rab on A Portrait of the Artist...
web links: www.sandracoffey.ie & Rab Fulton Stories
by Oscar Wilde
Performed by: Rab Fulton and Sandra Coffey
Produced and directed: Rab Fulton and Sandra Coffey
'The Ballad of Reading Gaol' is a moving and heartbreaking insight into Oscar Wilde’s time in Reading Prison. It is also the last work Wilde wrote just months after his release from prison after serving two years of hard labour for being homosexual.
Rab Fulton’s performance of Wilde’s poem is a powerful interpretation of the work. Complete with subtle props, Rab’s performance brings to vivid life the harrowing experience of Oscar Wilde imprisonment. Beset by wicked sprites and tolling bells Oscar and his fellow inmates endured the madness and cruel absurdity of a Victorian prison regime - and all the while waiting for the judicial killing of a fellow prisoner
“Yet each man kills the thing he loves,” one of the most famous lines in the poem rings true in dramatic fashion in this performance. It tells the story of a man “who has to swing” as he murdered his wife.
The 600 lines of this poem delivered in Rab’s unique style, weaves the audience through a tour of the prison from Wilde’s eyes. There are times when Wilde’s powerful descriptions stake their rightful claim on the performance. This poem is widely regarded as Wilde’s finest poem.
The show was first commissioned by Sandra Coffey, founder and director of the Oscar Wilde Festival in Galway. It played to a sold out audience in the Town Hall Theatre on September 7. It's next performance is on 13 February 2014 at the Múscailt Arts Festival, followed by a show in Athy Community Arts Centre on March 22nd. Future venues are also planned.
Rab Swannock Fulton is an acclaimed storyteller, published author and freelance writer based in Galway. His books include 'Transformation' - a modern tale of the Pooka, and 'Galway Bay Folk Tales.'
"Rab’s zest for life and his talent of connecting with people definitely put him ahead of most storytellers" - Tribune Life
Sandra Coffey is a solo artist from Galway and just released her first album titled Morning Zoo. Since she began releasing her music, she was nominated for 3 awards. She also founded and directed Galway’s first Oscar Wilde Festival in September 2013.
For further info and booking contact Sandra Coffey on coffeysandra@yahoo.co.uk
Youtube link: Rab’s rehearsal
Galway Advertiser feature: Rab Fulton on The Ballad of Reading Gaol
Listen to an hour long interview with Rab on A Portrait of the Artist...
web links: www.sandracoffey.ie & Rab Fulton Stories