Poet's life to be honoured in theatre event
Hull Truck TheatreThe life of poet Maurice Rutherford is to be celebrated at an event in his home city of Hull.
The poet, who died last October at the age of 103, was known as The Bard of Albert Avenue and only started writing poetry in his mid-50s.
This Day Dawning at Hull Truck Theatre on 9 May will be an evening of poetry and song, including performances from folk singer Eliza Carthy and poets Dean Wilson and Chris Sewart.
His daughter Jeannie, who is helping to curate the show, said it would be "a joyful event" rather than an "in-memoriam" gathering.
Hull-born actor, writer and theatre director Barrie Rutter is also working on the show with Rutherford's son-in-law Phil Curry.
They said the evening will bring together figures from the literary, theatrical academic and musical worlds to celebrate his life and work.
Shipbuilding roots
Singer-songwriter Serious Child (Alan Young) and former city MP Alan Johnson, now Chancellor of the University of Hull, will also take part.
Jeannie said: "Knowing him, coming from Yorkshire, he would never have blown his own trumpet. So now we're doing it for him."
Rutherford worked in the engineering and shipbuilding industries, first in Hull and later in Immingham and wrote about his experiences in his first collection of poems, Slipping the Tugs.
His poems, such as After the Parade and Flip Side to Larkin, led to him being chosen as poet of the month by The Guardian on two occasions.
Rutherford was made an honorary graduate of the University of Hull aged 100.
His daughter said: "It's a joy to know that so many people were moved by his work and continue to be.
"I'm proud to be able to take up the mantle and ensure that his legacy endures."
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