In this prismatic collage of song and story, theater company The Civilians (Paris Commune, 2012 Next Wave Festival) use music-theater to consider the life and lasting influence of modernism’s most elusive enfant terrible: Arthur Rimbaud. Context is everything, so get even closer to Rimbaud in New York with this curated selection of content related to the show. After you've attended the show, let us know what you thought below and by posting on social media using #RimbaudNY.
Program Notes
Coming soon!
Read
WebsiteThe Civilians
Learn more about The Civilians’ investigative theater.
Article
“Visionary Materialism”(The New Republic)
How should Rimbaud’s Illuminations make readers feel? “Very nervous,” according to Adam Thirwell.
Article
Arthur Rimbaud and Patti Smith(The Independent)
At 16, Patti Smith took Rimbaud as her imaginary boyfriend.
Article
On Rimbaud (PoetryFoundation.org)
He ran away from home three times. He was shot in the wrist by Verlaine. And he died of cancer of the knee.
Review
John Ashbery’s Translation of Illuminations (The New York Times)
Lydia Davis on poet John Ashbery’s “meticulously faithful yet nimbly inventive” translation, used throughout Rimbaud in New York.
Watch & Listen
Audio
Patti Smith - Horses (YouTube)
The downtown icon's rock anthem implores listeners to "go Rimbaud!"
Now your turn...
What did you think? Did The Civilians illuminate Illuminations? Tell us what's on your mind in the comments below and on social media using #RimbaudNY.
Coming soon!
Read
Website
Learn more about The Civilians’ investigative theater.
Article
“Visionary Materialism”(The New Republic)
How should Rimbaud’s Illuminations make readers feel? “Very nervous,” according to Adam Thirwell.
Article
Arthur Rimbaud and Patti Smith(The Independent)
At 16, Patti Smith took Rimbaud as her imaginary boyfriend.
Article
On Rimbaud (PoetryFoundation.org)
He ran away from home three times. He was shot in the wrist by Verlaine. And he died of cancer of the knee.
Review
John Ashbery’s Translation of Illuminations (The New York Times)
Lydia Davis on poet John Ashbery’s “meticulously faithful yet nimbly inventive” translation, used throughout Rimbaud in New York.
Watch & Listen
Audio
Patti Smith - Horses (YouTube)
The downtown icon's rock anthem implores listeners to "go Rimbaud!"
Now your turn...
What did you think? Did The Civilians illuminate Illuminations? Tell us what's on your mind in the comments below and on social media using #RimbaudNY.