Two Local Events Mark the Passing of Al Purdy

Over a dozen local writers are taking part in two events that would've made Al Purdy howl. On Monday, April 23, starting at 8pm, is Cooked & Eaten, a reading series at the Peterborough Arts Umbrella. This evening will feature the works of Allie Hearn , Laurel Paluck, and Bill Kimble Ryan Kerr.

If that's not enough for you, the prose continues at the Gordon Best Theatre at 9:30 with Prolix Delux.

"Read as much as you can, and write as much as your heart tells you to". These words of advice were often heard by young writers fortunate enough to know Al Purdy, the award-winning Canadian 'poet of the people'.

This week marks the first anniversary of Al Purdy's death. The memory and spirit of Canada's un-official poet-laureate will be well served at two local events slated for Monday, April 23rd.

The first, which begins at 8pm, is Cooked & Eaten, another evening in a delectable reading series of prose and poetry at the Peterborough Arts Umbrella. The second, kicking off at 9:30pm, is Prolix deluxe, a celebratory spree of readings by over a dozen local spoken word artists at the Gordon Best Theatre.

Like Purdy's writing, these two events feature work that gains something, that is best understood when it is heard. These events are informal opportunities for writers and listeners to have fun, exchange ideas, and learn more about what kinds of writing is being generated in Peterborough.

It is largely coincidence that these events are scheduled for the same night, and that they concur with the anniversary of Al Purdy's passing. However, it can be expected that the memory of the Canadian icon, and two-time winner of the Governor General's Literary Award for poetry (1965 and 1986), will up the creative ante, making for some high-calibre performances.

Both Cooked & Eaten and Prolix have established reputations for bringing playful, thoughtful, peculiar spoken word art to the attention of local audiences.

The April 23rd event marks the sixth presentation in the Cooked & Eaten series, sponsored by local bookseller Marginal Distribution. Attendance at the reading series has been impressive, and continues to grow. Despite a blizzard during an evening of readings in January, all the writers, and a sizeable audience were on hand. Some writers who have shared their work are: Janette Platana, Chris Magwood, Nauni Parkinson, Gabe Foreman, and Jeramy Dyer. The line up of the April 23rd event will feature Allie Hearn, Bill Kimble and Laurel Paluck.

Prolix, spearheaded by D. Bucke Hawrish, has held nearly a dozen events to date, featuring scores of young local writers. In partnership with Trent Radio, Prolix has released two spoken word CD 'magazines' of work by local writers. They are available c/o Backlash Records.

The Prolix tribute to Al Purdy on April 23rd is sponsored by Churchkey Brewing and will showcase the work of Kelli Marshall, Chuck Glasspool, Tim Crease, Mike Johnston, Champagne Velvet, Tim Walker, Jerome Ackhurst, Brian Mitolo, Steve Pritchard, Jeramy Dodds, and Chris Brown.

Mike Johnston, who will be reading as part of the Prolix event, had the pleasure of knowing Al Purdy in his later years. In the mid-1990s, Johnston worked organizing performances for the accomplished poet here in Peterborough and in towns across the country. For a brief while he lived in the Purdy's basement on Vancouver Island.

Johnston says that widely held image of Al Purdy as a cantankerous man is not entirely accurate. He describes Purdy as a shy, but very generous man. Johnston maintains that if any young writer knocked at Al Purdy's door, he'd let them in, ask his wife to put the kettle on for tea, and visit with them for the afternoon.

Some very notable Canadian writers, including Margaret Atwood and Michael Ondaatje have benefited immeasurably from the time they spent developing friendships with Al Purdy. Atwood maintains a deep appreciation for the poetic form, saying that "poetry is the innermost core of language. It's where words are honed and reforged. That's why it's sharp and hot." Perhaps it was the encouragement that Atwood received from Purdy early in her writing career that has led her to inspire another generation of readers and writers

Tickets for Cooked & Eaten at 8:00 pm at the Arts Umbrella in Peterborough Square Mall are $3 at the door. Tickets for Prolix at 9:30 pm at the Gordon Best Theatre are $5 at the door.

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Miriam Stucky is a Community Arts Reporter with the Peterborough Arts Umbrella and Celebrate Canada in the Kawarthas.