Green Cabaret

Barry Macsweeney (1948 – 2000) was an English poet and Journalist. Born in Newcastle upon Tyne he achieved sudden, but fleeting fame, in the mid 60’s where he was heralded as a boy wonder in the romantic tradition following the succesful publication of his first book of poems: "The Boy from the Green Cabaret tells of his Mother". He was then proscribed from the official records of poetry for over 25 years. "The Book of Demons" (1997) published by Bloodaxe Books rekindled his reputation and while launching him to the literary mainstream for the first time. He won a Paul Hamlyn Award the same year and died prematurely shortly afterwards after a long battle with alcoholism and related ill health. This performance explores Macsweeny's early poetry through the lens of his early experinces living on Tyneside. Part of the Live Lab 2012 New Writing Festival.