By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
PARTING is such sweet sorrow, if Shakespeare is to be believed, especially when it happens in an Irish pub.
Australia’s adopted Irish son, Damien Leith, has unveiled his writing and acting skills with a one-man cabaret, The Parting Glass: An Irish Journey.
Leith’s show tells the story of an Irish father mulling over a conversation with his recently-departed son who has spent the bulk of recent years in far-away Australia.
If the scenario sounds familiar it’s because it reflects a lot of what Leigh himself experienced, bringing a sense of personal experience into an already emotion-charged situation.
“It’s a pretty serious conversation between the father and the son. You hear about dad’s opinions on lots of different subjects, including Australia,” Leith divulged.
“But it’s also pretty funny as it covers immigration and family and being away from each other.
“The deeper story comes out in the second half, with a bit of a twist,” Leith added mysteriously.
The musician who broke into the Australian consciousness through Australian Idol has been writing for years but rarely had the chance to produce any of his works.
“I’ve always loved acting, I just needed the right play. I’ve written a few over the years and I’ve been looking for an opportunity,” Leith said.
He wrote the script and pieced it together with some of his favourite traditional Irish music as well as some more modern songs, with six monologues and 18 songs all up.
“I went through all classic songs I grew up singing and there are moments in the script that call for certain songs, from rousing Irish numbers to some deep and meaningful numbers as well.
“Some of the older traditional songs are revamped but still familiar.
“It’s one of the most demanding things I’ve ever done but it’s getting a great response.
“A lot of people can relate to it, especially those who have lived overseas for any period of time. Some audiences have been moved to tears.”
The show has gone on the road as Leith also promotes his new album, Songs From Ireland, similarly celebrating his heritage.
Leith performs The Parting Glass and songs from his new album at Geelong Performing Arts Centre on 31 July.
