Cape Cod actor reads works of most beloved writer

His stories and poems are deceptively simple: Snatches of the soul accidentally revealed in dialogue over coffee.

For readers of Raymond Carver, his writing is all about love.

At least it is for Cape Cod-based actor Guy Strauss, who will be performing a free, staged reading based on the works of Carver and poet Tess Gallagher at 7 p.m. today at Southeast Missouri State University in Parker dance studio.

Strauss is founder and artistic director of the Payomet Performing Arts Center in North Truro, Mass. His son, Marc, teaches dance at Southeast Missouri State University.

The reading is one of five staged readings this year, coordinated through the university's department of theater and dance.

Guy Strauss was first introduced to Carver's work at a film festival in Rockport, Maine, a few years after the writer's death. He was helping a young director put together a short film based on the short story, "Why Don't You Dance?"

He said the story, about a young couple in the throes of love and a recently dumped older man, hit him like a ton of bricks.

Drawn to Carver's muted prose, Strauss proceeded to read everything he wrote and gradually developed a performance piece celebrating Carver's love for humanity, for life and for his wife and partner, poet Tess Gallagher.

"I fell in love with him, his material and what he was all about," Strauss said.

Carver died in 1988 at the age of 50. Gallagher continues to write.

Performed with permission from Carver's agent and the blessing of Gallagher, Strauss' reading is based on both writers' selected poetry, short stories, essays and interviews.

There will be a reception and discussion afterwards.

For several years in the 1990s, Strauss toured Yalta, St. Petersburg and other Russian cities with Alexander Chirkov's Chekov Theater and Film Company.

About Chekov, Carver said, "What we have in common is we speak to the people, all the people."

Carver's work and poetry in general remains relevant today, Strauss said.

"It seems to have even more relevance than when I was younger. I think it's important to listen to the poets," Strauss said. "Their sometimes brutal honesty seems to give us a better handle on staying honest ourselves."

abuchanan@semissourian.com

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