Show brings literary icon's words to life

Katherine Mansfield's trials with love, loss, sexuality and longing come to life in The Case of Katherine Mansfield, playing at the Wel Energy Trust Academy of Performing Arts as part of the city's Fuel Festival.

Actor Danielle Cormack says performing as one of New Zealand's literary giants is a "continuing thrill".

"How could you not want to play one of New Zealand's great icons? Watching this show (The Case of Katherine Mansfield), the audience is confronted with the many different selves, and faces, of the woman," Cormack says.

The 90-minute performance, featuring only Cormack, deals with the writer's life from 18 until her death, and her thoughts and words on love, life, sexuality, death and suffering.

"It doesn't matter where you are in the world, you are faced with the same issues.

"This show could just be a beautiful lecture on those ideas, but it is much more than that," Cormack says.

Mansfield is widely credited with revolutionising the short story in literary circles.

She died in France in 1923 at the age of 34. She left behind a vast collection of poetry, stories, journals and other prose.

The Case of Katherine Mansfield is based on the writer's own words.

Cormack has had a distinguished career, ranging from performances on Gloss and Shortland Street to extensive theatrical work.

With the release of the last volume of Mansfield's private letters in last week's Listener, Hamiltonians will be the first to see the play incorporating the material from the letters.

Cormack says the show is in a constant state of change, much like Mansfield herself.

"The show is not the same as it was in Auckland or Wellington we've shifted a few things around. We have a new set, a new costume it's constantly evolving."

There are two performances today at 1.30pm and 7.30pm at Telecom Playhouse in the Wel Energy Trust Academy. Tickets cost $35 and are available from Ticketdirect.

- © Fairfax NZ News