Thompson's work performed

Chris Green in Coaltown Blues

I'm looking forward to Chris Green's presentation of Mervyn Thompson's Coaltown Blues, an account of life in a coal mining family in mid 20th century New Zealand. They were quite "hard up", this West Coast family and I was struck by the parallels with Mervyn Thompson's childhood and another South Island writer's life. Janet Frame also experienced hardship during her childhood in 1920s and 1930s.
Both Janet Frame and Mervyn Thompson have other common experiences. Despite financial constraints both gained higher educations, both became published writers receiving accolades for their work.
Like Janet Frame, Mervyn Thompson also suffered social stigma, Janet Frame as a patient in a mental health facility and Mervyn Thompson accused and attacked, never proven guilty and never vindicated.
Thompson's mother wanted him to stay at school because he was bright. His father wanted him to work in the coal mines and father's word won the day. After five years in the coal mines Mervyn Thompson finally went to university where he was strongly influenced by Ngaio Marsh. Her focus was more towards English theatre and Mervyn Thompson developed a theatre genre that more accurately reflected the New Zealand experience.
When I spoke to Chris Green about his forthcoming performance of Coaltown Blues his affection for the play shone through. Chris told me he hadn't performed this one man show for over a year now and he said it was like meeting up with an old friend. A large part of Chris Green's respect for Mervyn Thompson's work stems from his authentication of New Zealand working men's theatre. Thompson, along with Bruce Mason, validated New Zealand theatre. "Before Bruce Mason and Mervyn Thompson New Zealand theatre had a cringe factor. You know, we thought we weren't good enough. Mervyn Thompson authenticated the new working man's experience. This is a one man show. There are no tricks. Nothing's hidden so what you see is what you get," Chris said.
Since the 2010 Pike River Mine disaster with the bereaved families fighting to reach their loved ones' remains, the New Zealand public has become more aware of the dangers associated with coal mining. I never imagined it would be an easy lifestyle. Still, it is a significant aspect of New Zealand working life and it broadens our understanding of our country to learn more about it.
Chris Green performs Coaltown Blues at Wanganui Repertory Theatre on Sunday, January 22 at 2pm and on Friday, January 27 at 7.30pm.