All alone online: Iggy Pop and Jeremy Irons lead mass Ancient Mariner reading – The Guardian

The Ancient Mariner Big Read is an inclusive, immersive work of audio and visual art from the 21st century that reflects the sweeping majesty and abiding influence of Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s 18th century epic poem.

The Ancient Mariner Big Read, which launched on Saturday, 18 April 2020 and was commissioned by The Arts Institute at Plymouth University, will see the 150-verse poem divided into 40 readings, with readers, including Jeremy Irons, each recording three or four verses to be broadcast daily for free. The project will combine the readings with works from major artists and refocus on the poem’s “urgent ecological message”.

It is an ancient Mariner,
And he stoppeth one of three.
‘By thy long grey beard and glittering eye,
Now wherefore stopp’st thou me?

The Bridegroom’s doors are opened wide,
And I am next of kin;
The guests are met, the feast is set:
May’st hear the merry din.’

He holds him with his skinny hand,
‘There was a ship,’ quoth he.
‘Hold off! unhand me, grey-beard loon!’
Eftsoons his hand dropt he.

He holds him with his glittering eye—
The Wedding-Guest stood still,
And listens like a three years’ child:
The Mariner hath his will.

The Wedding-Guest sat on a stone:
He cannot choose but hear;
And thus spake on that ancient man,
The bright-eyed Mariner.

You can find the Ancient Mariner Big Read here: https://www.ancientmarinerbigread.com/

April 18, 2020
Categories: Latest News and Posts, Voice . Tags: Jeremy Irons, Plymouth University, poetry, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, The Ancient Mariner Big Read, The Rime of the Ancient Mariner . Author: jeremyironsno1fan . Comments: Leave a comment