Paradise Lost

This one-man performance is an ambitious adaptation of Milton’s classic poem Paradise Lost. While it is not studied at school as much as in previous generations, its resonances still linger through imagery and quotes. The adaptation includes both arcs of the poem: the fall of Lucifer from Heaven, and the temptation of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.

Christopher Carroll is exemplary in his innovative adaptation of this epic. His mobility and flexibility, his every motion serving the narrative and characterisation, and his fine control of body and voice combine to create an astounding performance. The tale begins with the expulsion of Lucifer from Heaven, in which we see Lucifer flying across the heavens and the fight between Good and Evil. We could truly “see” Lucifer’s wings as he flew, such was Carroll’s command of his physical presence.

Within the Garden of Eden, Carroll brings Adam and Eve into being through his stance and diction. The temptation is compelling, in a way that is rarely noted through reading lines from a book. The use of skills and forms from the Japanese dance form of Butoh brings the words to life, linking Butoh’s association with the themes of death and the spirit world to a Western literary great. Moments of stillness erupt with physical dynamism and the release of energy.

No music is used in this performance, and all sound is created by Carroll. Lighting is an essential part of the performance (controlled here by Gillian Schwab) and the assistant is Gabriel Sinclair.

In short, this is a unique rendition of Paradise Lost. It brings many subtleties into view, while also depicting a broad canvas such as the journey through Chaos to Paradise.

The current version of Paradise Lost has been further developed during Carroll’s stay in Canberra as the Artist in Residence at the Belconnen Arts Centre. The Centre is to be commended for its support of such an artist, who has created a work that will linger in our memory for a long time.

Rachel McGrath-Kerr

Photographer: Richard Lennon