Josephine Hart Poetry Hour: WWI Poetry Read by Guildhall School Alumni

Damian Friends and Inspiration Fan Blog was on location at Josephine Hart Poetry Hour: Poems from the First World War. We are sorry to report that we do not have pics from the event because cameras were not allowed. 

Below you can see our review of the event as well as messages tweeted by several audience members. Enjoy!

Josephine Hart Poetry Hour

Poems from the First World War 

Josephine Hart, source: guardian.co.uk

Tonight the DFI blog attended the Milton Court Concert Hall at the Barbican, opposite the Guild Hall.

Six distinguished actors were invited back on the Guild hall stage. These included, Emily Berrington, Freddie Fox, Christian Burgess, Niamh Cusak, Dominic West and of course our very own Damian Lewis.

The actors were introduced on to the stage and each of them sat in a line and took turns in reading some wonderful poetry from World War 1. Each of them expressed themselves wonderfully - Damian, who wore a dark grey suit teamed with an olive green tie, did a fantastic Irish accent when reading, "An Irish airman foresees his death" by W.B. Yeats. The readings lasted just over one hour and was very moving with some very good humour, too.

Here is "An Irish airman foresees his death" by W.B. Yeats.

I know that I shall meet my fate   

Somewhere among the clouds above;   

Those that I fight I do not hate   

Those that I guard I do not love;   

My country is Kiltartan Cross,

My countrymen Kiltartan’s poor,   

No likely end could bring them loss   

Or leave them happier than before.   

Nor law, nor duty bade me fight,   

Nor public man, nor cheering crowds,

A lonely impulse of delight   

Drove to this tumult in the clouds;   

I balanced all, brought all to mind,   

The years to come seemed waste of breath,   

A waste of breath the years behind

In balance with this life, this death.

And, we LOVE the reactions to the poetry event on Twitter, too!

Theo Clarke @theodoraclarke My two favourite British actors on stage #London together, best cultural eve ever? Damian Lewis & Dominic West, dream team! #ww1 #barbican

Sharon Farnley @Shasul1@lewis_damian Back from very moving evening of First World War poetry at the Barbican. In tears in front row - thanks so much for that xxx

Rachael S. @TheBendySlow Damian Lewis did an Irish accent for one poem and Dominic did Scottish for another. Fabulous readings all :)

9 hours ago

Luke Dale @_lukedale Amazing poetry readings from Damien Lewis, Dominic West, Emily Berrington, Freddie Fox and Christian Burgess tonight. #whatismylife