September 27, 2007
Rachel Carson's Silent Spring is not in Ian McEwan's proposed canon of science writing. This is unsurprising - can you really imagine McEwan's deathly prose being inspired by an author who was so enthused with wonder at life? The omission is one of several facts that begin Liz Rothschild's biographal tribute to Carson.
Liz is both writer and performer and she portrays Carson's journey from obscure marine biologist to a successful writer and environmental campaigner. The theatre piece is engaging and it is presented with poise and assurance for the entire performance, which lasts 75 minutes.
Carson introduces herself to us from the grave, narrating her life story and sharing her passion for the natural world. The first night coincided with the exact centenary of Carson's birth, and her work should chime with resonance today as environmental concerns become acute. Yet Carson's best known work remains widely unread if you are under forty, or neglected on the shelf if you are older.
Liz Rothschild, director Sue Mayo and team deftly break the silence about this courageous woman who spoke another, earlier inconvenient truth. To be left out of McEwan's pantheon of boys and trainspotters is almost a recommendation in itself. We have still not learned Carson's lesson, and Breaking the Silence is an excellent and timely reminder of that fact.
Liz is both writer and performer and she portrays Carson's journey from obscure marine biologist to a successful writer and environmental campaigner. The theatre piece is engaging and it is presented with poise and assurance for the entire performance, which lasts 75 minutes.
Carson introduces herself to us from the grave, narrating her life story and sharing her passion for the natural world. The first night coincided with the exact centenary of Carson's birth, and her work should chime with resonance today as environmental concerns become acute. Yet Carson's best known work remains widely unread if you are under forty, or neglected on the shelf if you are older.
Liz Rothschild, director Sue Mayo and team deftly break the silence about this courageous woman who spoke another, earlier inconvenient truth. To be left out of McEwan's pantheon of boys and trainspotters is almost a recommendation in itself. We have still not learned Carson's lesson, and Breaking the Silence is an excellent and timely reminder of that fact.