Chris Torrance encountered poetry properly for the first time in his mid twenties, stimulated by becoming an editor of and a contributor to Carshalton, Surrey based magazine ORIGINS DIVERSIONS. Each issue was launched with a live reading, emphasising the concept of poem as performance. The audience empowered the poet on stage, or not as the case may be. The poem had to be got "all the way over" to its audience - to use words of Charles Olson. Followed a first collection GREEN ORANGE PURPLE RED, from Ferry Press, and an appearance in Penguin CHILDREN OF ALBION (ed. Michael Horovitz). Torrance moved to Wales in 1970. Urban hippie living in the country for the first time. Discovery of miraculous nature. Learning the names of things: insects, birds, plants, trees. Weather systems. Geological layers. All of which fed into the never-ending long poem THE MAGIC DOOR, many books of which appeared from Albion Village Press, Galloping Dog Press, Stone Lantern Press & Cwm Nedd Press over 30 years. |
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Photo - Chris Torrance (left) with Chris Vine ( 2004) |
Chris founded ADVENTURES IN CREATIVE WRITING under the auspices of U.C.
Cardiff in 1976 & the class developed into a crucible nurturing dozens of
talented and resourceful writers & leading to a literary performance group
called CABARET 246 which also produced a lively and eclectic magazine.
Literary cabaret became part of Torrance's
re-engagement with poetry as performance in the |
Message for readers
Dear Readers:
Since withdrawing PATH from Heaventree Press, it seems the muse has taken a hand. I now find myself rewriting the final section of the book (A BOOK OF NUMBER / GOSDIARIES).
I have also written, or discovered, new poems for other sections.
What is still on offer,, to any publisher who may be interested is a volume representing over 25 years work on the continuance of THE MAGIC DOOR series,& which runs to about 200 pages. Is there anyone out there?
My first ever reading at Hay on Wye (with David Greenslade) will take place at the Oriel Gallery, Salem Chapel, Bell Bank, on Saturday May 30th, starting at 7.30 pm. Admission £5. There will be six other events at the Gallery between May 23rd & the 30th, & there will be an exhibition of paintings by Tim Rossiter. For details phone 01497 521451
I’m sad to record the death of Don Bodie, a close friend “back in the day”, & a core founder of the Carshalton Mob. It is hoped a collection of his poems will appear in the near future.
The Carshalton Mob’s 3rd Reunion event, BENEATH THE UNDERGROUND ( at Hen and Chicks Pub, Flannel street, Abergavenny, 7 – 11 pm on Saturday August 1st ) will, I am sure, include an element of remembrance for Don – but it will also be an exultant restatement of the spirit that drives this poetry& jazz festival. Those already listed as performers include Bill Wyatt, Roger Yates, & Jeremy Hilton, as well as myself, & numerous other poets and musicians.
I hope to see you there!
Chris Torrance May 2009
For a list books and CDs which feature Chris Torrance's
work click on
Publications
Copyright Chris Torrance.
e-mail Anne if you have a message for Chris
| Biography and mission statement. |
| Beneath the Underground Poetry Festival 2008 - a record of the day with words by Chris Torrance and photos by Val Maillard |
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