Dear supporter
I thought I would just send a brief update about progress on my translation of the Alliterative Morte Arthure (King Arthur's Death), in addition to some information about Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.
Manuscript goes to the publisher!
Firstly, for those of you who have supported my next book, King Arthur's Death, I am pleased to tell you that I shall be handing over the manuscript, with all the illustrations, to Unbound at the beginning of August. This means that the book will enter its next phase - the editing process - on its journey to becoming a real book. It is thanks to you, and every other pledger, that we are now at this stage; I am very grateful for your support. If you've yet to pledge, and would like to have your own copy with your name in the back as a supporter, you can do so here.
Illuminated letters - I'll print them for you
Secondly, my last illustrative work in support of King Arthur was to produce the illuminated letters to accompany the book. Attached with this update is a 3 minute film showing how I cut and print the letters. One of the pledge options on King Arthur is for supporters to have their initials (or those of a loved one) hand printed by me. If you would like to pledge for a set, there are 10 sets available - CLICK HERE and pledge as appropriate (if you wish).
Sir Gawain and the Green Knight
Thirdly, I was delighted recently to see Dr Debbie Cannon's magisterial new production based on Sir Gawain and the Green Knight at the Buxton Fringe. The show premiered at the Edinburgh Festival last year and I believe it is being shown again this year. I thoroughly recommend that you see this show if you can; it is a real eye-opener to the multi-layered nature of this wonderful story. To give you a flavour of what to expect, I reviewed the show here.
New theatre show
Finally, similar to above, I am in the early stages of putting together a theatrical production of my own, featuring my new translation of King Arthur; performed in a candle-lit mediaeval church. I have produced similar shows in the past based on Sir Gawain, with a troupe of actors and musical accompaniment by a musical director of the Globe Theatre; we will be joining forces again in December - more news when I have it!
Once again, thank you very much for supporting my work.
Kind regards
Michael Smith,
Author, Translator, Printmaker
