Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Sam Wanamaker Playhouse

Simon Armitage translated Sir Gawain and the Green Knight into modern English in 2007, reviving the 14th century romance for today’s audience. This November, Armitage is bringing the poem to The Globe’s Sam Wanamaker Playhouse in an exciting new format for two special performances.
Medieval Classic
Following in the footsteps of Seamus Heaney and his Beowulf translation, Armitage’s modern language version has made Sir Gawain and the Green Knight accessible to a much wider readership. The story is a medieval classic, one of adventure, loyalty and old-fashioned chivalry, incorporating an axe-wielding giant with a courtly romance of love and seduction. A vitally important text in the canon, the anonymous Gawain-poet’s Middle English language has influenced authors and students alike. For example, it forms the basis for many of the names and places in J. R. R Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Performance Poetry
In 2010, Armitage made a BBC Four programme following his personal poetic journey whilst researching Gawain. He travelled through some of Britain’s most mystical landscapes to highlight the modern relevance of this compelling morality tale. Armitage has dramatized his texts before, such as the 2004 radio play of Homer’s Odyssey, and has made numerous poet-films, including Feltham Sings, Drinking for England and 9/11:Out of the Blue.
Clearly experienced in performance poetry, Armitage’s readings will hopefully attract more deserved attention to this wonderful tale. Staged in an intimate setting as part of their Concerts by Candlelight series, this Globe production should be a charming blend of literature and theatre.