THE OTTUMWA CURIER
Theater Review
by
Brenda Case
Library had a gem of free entertainment
I found some excellent free entertainment in Ottumwa Wednesday night. The Ottumwa Public Library hosted a talented actor/writer/director from Hollywood named Duffy Hudson who did a short performance on Edgar Alan Poe. The show only lasted about an hour, but afterward I felt like I’d taken a mini-vacation.
It was so out-of-the-ordinary. The library was softly lit by Tiffany-style lamps. An ornate, antique chair was set in front of the fireplace. With the high ceilings and impressive woodwork, it felt like another time. The actor came in dressed as Poe, stumbling and slurring as if he was a little drunk.
As Poe, he talked about his life, his loves and his sorrows. He told “The Tell-Tale Heart” and recited “The Raven,” interwoven with stories of what inspired each work.
The whole thing was done with tremendous energy and passion. It was a one-man play that was just awesome entertainment. I felt like I’d traveled to another time and actually been in the presence of that dark, sad, genius. My 11-year-old niece was enchanted by it, too.
Hosting an Edgar Alan Poe reading around Halloween was a great idea. Thank you, Ottumwa Public Library. There are gems of interesting, cultural, intelligent, cheap-or-free entertainment to be had in Ottumwa. This was one.
Theater Review
"In the Shadow of the Raven"
By
Ben Miles
Though he lived only forty years, Edgar Allan Poe has made a lasting impression on American literature. On the vanguard of the so-called American Romantic Movement, Poe is remembered most for his macabre poetry and dark prose. But he was also among the nation's first and foremost practitioners of the short story. What's more, Poe is thought to be the inventor of the detective-fiction genre, and is credited with the promotion of the emerging science-fiction literary format.
Now, in a one-man play--created and performed by Duffy Hudson, audiences have the opportunity to glimpse the melancholy masterpieces penned by Poe. With an uncanny likeness to Poe, Duffy appears before us as if the author were addressing members of the "literary society." In this 45 minute mono-drama, we learn some biographical details from Poe's life.
We come to know that he adored his mother, actress Elizabeth Arnold Hopkins Poe. We also understand that Edgar had a troubled relationship with his father, David Poe, Jr., as well as his foster father, John Allan. The Allan family raised young Poe after the premature death of his parents.
Additionally, we are informed of Edgar Allan Poe's affection for his foster mother Frances Allan. Moreover we glean that Poe was married to his 13 year-old cousin, Virginia Clemm, and that he also had a relationship with the doomed Jane Standard, the beloved mother of Poe's good friend, Rob. We get the hint that Poe had problems with alcohol throughout his brief and troubled life.
All of this is intellectually satisfying, but it is Hudson's stunning incarnation of Poe that is visceral and most vivid here. Ranting and raging, but also expressive and thoughtful, Hudson's is a multi-faceted Poe, at his most captivating during recitals of three of the writer's works: "The Tell-Tale Heart"; "Annabel Lee"; and as the programs title suggests, "The Raven." Throughout, Hudson is convincing at creating a living, emotional, and exceptionally intelligent characterization. And be sure to stick-around for the post play dialogue between the actor and the audience; it's both educational and, due to Hudson's engaging manner, entertaining.
Actor Duffy Hudson's, left, show captivates and educates its spectators. With the trademark hollow chuckle, dynamic voice and memorable accent, Edgar Allan Poe is brought to life.
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