Desert Island Duffel

Boehlke, the Jungle Theater’s artistic director, is currently hard at work reprising Under Milk Wood, Dylan Thomas’ radio play that takes place in Llareggub, a fictional Welch fishing village. Despite its name, which happens to be “bugger all” spelled backwards, Llareggub is a quaint, charming place where everyday folks just happen to speak in Thomas’ sprawling poetic tongue. Even though Boehlke was immersed in all things Welsh, we persuaded him to prepare a shopping list for an imaginary exile to an unpopulated tropical isle (which would probably be most welcome come January).

1) The Complete Works of Shakespeare because, well, I would want to read something that has great variety and density of subject matter, that is both lightweight and profound, with comedic and tragic elements to it. Plus, when I finally got off the island I would have some plays I had all worked out in my head!

2) A simple kitchen kit: A really good knife, cutting board, and hand juicer to prepare some simple and beautiful meals on the island. I suppose one could rip at the food, but I would like to retain a modicum of civilized behavior. I once was a caterer so I know how important a good knife is. I used to bake gourmet desserts for the Loring Café right before I founded the Jungle. Also, with a knife I could carve a pan flute. As Shakespeare said, “Music soothes the savage breast.”

3) A hatchet to make a charming bamboo hut with a palm leaf roof that would provide shelter. I think there is something innate in us as humans that insists on building structures for protection from the clime.

4) A clothing kit: a hat with a brim because I’m fair, so I could enjoy the sun; white shirt and white pants made of natural fiber to protect me; and a string to create a necklace of driftwood or a stone to hang about my neck.

5) Pencil and paper tablet to write, because we all have a need for self-expression and a way to record the philosophical and poetic considerations we formulate. Since there’s no one but me on the desert island, but because one’s need to communicate is still intact, I would need to write to be fulfilled.


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