Do Not Go Gentle

by Leon Pownall

Leon Pownall was born in North Wales and immigrated to Canada as a teenager. In 1982 Powys Thomas, his mentor at the Shaw Festival, encouraged him to create a play about Dylan Thomas. For 15 years Leon, with critical help from David Hemblen and Geraint Wyn Davies, polished his piece in workshops, fundraisers and theatrical runs. When Leon and I got together we agreed we wanted a true audio vehicle, not just a translation from the stage. A drama that hangs on to the best of its roots while keeping itself open to larger possibilities. We knew all the old ghosts would be listening closely; still, we realized we were shooting for something quite unlike anything either of us had done before.

Audio Cassette

Published March 1, 2000