SONG OF MYSELF
THE WORDS OF WALT WHITMAN
"Matthew Aughenbaugh's one-man play beautifully weaves together lines from Walt Whitman's iconic long poem "Song of Myself" and his later writings as a Civil War nurse to make the difficult point that "it is just as lucky to die" as it is to be born. Aughenbaugh's performance brings to mind a Whitmanian list of words--spellbinding, wrenching, overpowering--and all of them ring true."
Michael Ruby, poet and author of American Songbook.
Walt Whitman's Leaves of Grass has had such a profound impact on my life and the way I view our country that I decided to develop a one act/one man show to share with audiences the effect these words have had on me. My experience has been by doing this it inspires the audience to begin exploring the poems for themselves.
Every word spoken is his. I have written nothing.
Imagine opening the book, beginning to read and suddenly Whitman steps forward and takes you on a forty-five minute tour beginning with his basic philosophy, musings on sexuality, his involvement in the Civil War as a volunteer nurse, the assassination of President Lincoln, the creation of Leaves Of Grass and facing his own demise as the book is closed and your adventure begins. Watch how the book and the man become one.
"Camerado, this is no book. Who touches this - touches a man." Whitman
I had the opportunity to premiere the show at Old Stone House in Park Slope, Brooklyn as a part of a poetry weekend produced by Sarah Greene celebrating poets of New York. I most recently performed the show at the Baltimore School for the Arts and was thrilled at the reception it received from students ranging from freshmen to seniors. And even more recently I self - produced the show at Altered Stages in New York and was able to video a sample. ( The last video on the video page. ) The show was very well received and a thrilling opportunity to perform for friends and colleagues.
"This was brilliant! Not just a wonderful performance, but a masterful shaping of Whitman's words into a deeply moving narrative. Matthew Aughenbaugh reminded me of Philip Seymour Hoffman in his quicksilver ability to go from canny to transparent and vulnerable. As a great lover of my "Uncle Walt," I felt protective and a bit skeptical about seeing him channeled, but I was totally won over--this performance should be seen in many and bigger venues!" Brenda Becker - audience member.
I am now offering this production to colleges, universities, poetry groups and anywhere people are interested in being exposed to Whitman for the first time and possibly discovering a personal relationship with a true American genius for themselves or revisiting an American classic with a fresh contemporary take. The play runs forty-five minutes in length and is extremely flexible. It can be performed with a lectern or in a theater.
Our country needs its greatest poet now more than ever. He reminds us of the best of who we are - as Americans and individuals.
“Watching Matthew Aughenbaugh perform was like a Master Class in solo performance. He kept the students engaged and interested the entire time, and that is no easy feat for 14-18 year olds. I've used his performance as an example to my Acting Classes more than once recently. Bravo, Matthew!" Rosiland Cauthen - Baltimore School for the Arts Theater Department Head.
“Using the simplest of props, Matthew Aughenbaugh presents a wise, genuine, and touching portrait of the man and the poet that was Walt Whitman. Matthew is so natural that there were times I wasn't completely sure he hadn't stepped out of character to talk to us as himself, but in fact, all the words are from the works of Whitman. Very highly recommended!” Richard Pilcher - Acting Instructor , Baltimore School For the Arts,
Please visit my Facebook page - Song of Myself - the Words of Walt Whitman
Click below to go to video samples
