CAVAFY'S CARESS

Cavafy’s Caress is an intimate theatrical performance exploring the vibrant and passionate words and world of renowned Greek poet, Constantine P. Cavafy (1863-1933). A graceful collection of some of Cavafy's greatest poems are arranged to create a story that gives the audience a sensuous and mesmerizing glimpse into his relationship with sexuality, memory, youth, aging, desire, and the love of beauty.

Cavafy was once described by the renowned writer E. M. Forster as “standing at a slight angle to the universe". He is internationally celebrated as one of the most original poets of the twentieth century. A favorite of W.H. Auden, Christopher Isherwood, and even Jackie Onassis, who used Cavafy's poem "Ithaka" for her eulogy. Cavafy charged his words with irony, eroticism, longing, and deep reflections on history’s changing fortunes, making him a relevant voice that reverberates through the ages in these turbulent times.

CLICK HERE FOR LINK TO VIDEO EDIT OF THE SHOW

 

 

 

Although he lived a century ago, Cavafy's poetry is timeless and universal. Audiences old and young, male and female have responded to his words and the performance. His works are deserving of a wider audience and this play seeks to bring more awareness to one of the world's most remarkable poets.

"He who wishes to strengthen his spirit
Must abandon reverence and submission
He will honor some laws,
But mostly he will break both law and custom
And he will stray from the accepted, inadequate straight path
He will be taught much by sensual pleasures
He will not fear the destructive act;
Half the house must be torn down
This way he will grow virtuously toward knowledge."

"Growing Strong", C.P.Cavafy

 

 

Originally created by invitation from The Affinity Gallery, for the exhibition and book release of "My Cavafy" - photographs by Stathis Orpahnos alongside poems by Cavafy. Special thanks to Chevalier Tony Clark for making this production possible.

Cavafy's Caress had two initial stagings on April 2, 2011
Followed by an encore on May 7, 2011

Future productions are planned

CAST

Jason Jenn - as - Constantine P. Cavafy
Larry Levi - as - The Choragus/ Greek Chorus Leader
Kyle McMillan - as - A Vision of Youth and Beauty

all photo stills this page by Martin Ledford


 

 



 

 

OTHER PEOPLE'S COMMENTS ABOUT THE SHOW:

"If you have a feeling for poetry, if you look for beauty to make enrich your life and find beauty in connecting your life with others, you must go! You will regret it later if you do not. Jason Jenn gives a 4-star performance and his play woven of Cavafy’s poems are exceptional. By the magnificent ending, I felt I had known Cavafy and was now connected to a great soul. This is a theater event that will live lovingly in your thoughts and feelings for a long time." - Mike Fahy

"I only knew Jason briefly before I saw his performance and knew nothing about Cavafy. Yes, I was ready to be bored. Oh my gosh! Jason was magnificent! His ability to immediately captivate his audience caught me off guard. His original presentation had me hanging on every word and dare I say, it I had to hide tears twice. He was so powerful in weaving together this performance. The minimalist staging was perfect as Jason used every bit of it to enhance rather than dominate his presentation. I was impressed. I look forward to his next staging. " - Dave Gardner

"This is a wonderful piece about Cavafy which chronicles his life with his own words. It is structured as an interplay between Cavafy and himself, performed with simmering intensity by the creator and lead player, Jason Jenn. The dance of words forms a solid structure which hones you in and enables the viewer a sweetly smoldering vision of Cavafy’s powerful and passionate view of the world." - Duane

"This performance was incredible! I wasn’t familiar with Cavafy’s poetry before and I was most impressed with how it was woven together to tell a story. The details may be different than our own, but the trajectory is one we all share. This is a must-see!" - Naomi

"This theatrical production by Jenn just shows the many and varied works of art that Affinity Galleries offers the public, with not only a sense of adventure and imagination, but also bridging the gaps among the many genres on a universal platform. Bravo! " - Ray Klausen