THE INTRICATE ART OF ACTUALLY CARING Plays At Downstage 29 April - 7 May
By: Reynard Loki Apr. 08, 2009
In the Intricate Art of Actually Caring, writer Eli Kent explores themes of masculinity, growing up, death and loss.
The Intricate Art of Actually Caring is a new script by New Zealand playwright Eli Kent (2008 Chapman Tripp winner – Outstanding New Playwright of the Year for Rubber Turkey). A comedy about apathy, it tells the story of two young poets on a trip to Jerusalem to see the grave of our nation’s greatest poet. It explores James K. Baxter's prophecy of a country void of love, asking - has what he preached come to pass? A two man show, the story is told through narration, poetry and original music to explore the themes of masculinity, growing up, death and loss. Kent: "It started with this poem I wrote and then transformed into this story about two guys who have grown up in a culture that doesn't offer them any sort of belief system to help them deal with things like loss and mortality. Baxter seems to represent a kind of forgotten New Zealand dream. He's the "Poet Hero". These young atheists seek him out in an attempt to find meaning in their lives". This aspect of the storyline takes an added dimension with the fact that Baxter really is writer Eli Kent’s Great Uncle.Comments
Videos