Gareth Farr’s compositions are adding a Kiwi touch to Dylan Thomas’s play Under Milk Wood.
Gareth Farr and his home-made temple blocks Photo: Clarissa Dunn
Farr has provided the soundtrack to Under Milk Wood by the Welsh poet, which tells a story of the daily life in a small Welsh town. “He’s an interesting writer; very quirky,” Farr says.
He wasn’t familiar with the work and was expecting something dark and dramatic. Instead, Under Milk Wood made Farr laugh at every turn of the page.
Usually when writing for theatre, the music acts as a transition between scenes, but in Under Milk Wood it plays under the dialogue.
Under Milkwood written by Dylan Thomas Photo: Supplied
Getting the balance of words and music just right was a challenge, but something Farr has enjoyed doing. He also didn’t listen to other recordings of the show because he wanted to ensure it had his authentic voice in it.
“There’s nothing worse than realising months later… I’ve inadvertently copied what I heard,” he says.
Farr is not a stranger to theatre. His grew up around it, his father was an actor, his mother a playwright. That also comes through in his music.
“I’ve always be fascinated by the magic of [theatre],” he says. “There’s always a dramatic aspect to my music. I feel like I’m writing an opera even if I’m not.”
He’s not afraid to gain inspiration from works he’s created in the past. “I quote myself as much as Shostakovich did,” he says. “Maybe it’s plagiarism, but no one’s going to sue me!”
Under Milk Wood runs until 10 November at Circa Theatre in Wellington, but Farr is already off on his next big adventure. He’s currently in Paris where his cello concerto will be performed, marking Armistice Day.
