Travelling troubadour back in Te Awamutu

Coaltown Blues on stage.

In Coaltown Blues actor Chris Green speaks author Mervyn Thompson's line about going down the mine.

"I submit to my fate and go down the pit. Why? I just have to!" The line could equally apply to Mr Green's compulsion to take to the stage, leaving 30 years of secure employment as a teacher of economics and English and taking to the road.

"Life is short, and there is so much to see and do." says Mr Green.

"I am loving doing the thing which gives me the greatest enjoyment and fulfilment."

To deal with the economic realities of a theatrical life, Mr Green bases his performances wherever there is a housesit.

An unexpected opportunity to look after a Waikato property has meant he can respond to the invitation to return to Te Awamutu Little Theatre.

In his single May performance at the theatre Mr Green enthralled the audience and Te Awamutu Courier published the review of Deidre Harte Barry, who wrote, "Patrons at the Te Awamutu Little Theatre on Saturday night experienced a performance which was powerful, challenging and rewarding."

In his season at The Meteor Theatre, Hamilton critics responded to his revival of this iconic West Coast New Zealand play.

Respected critic Sam Edwards wrote: "How it would be possible to sell a performance to a modern audience ... a single player performing all the character roles and condensing years of turbulent history into an hour and a half. Well, sell it he did, with passion, understanding, and a sympathy which brought members of the audience to their feet during the final ovation...Actor Chris Green gathered the audience up, took them into his confidence, said,

"This is what it was like, folks, back then..."and we believed him."

Coaltown Blues returns to Te Awamutu Little Theatre, six performances: Thursday/Friday, July 6/7, Wednesday-Friday, July 12-14 7.30pm, Sunday, July 9 at 2pm. Tickets Te Awamutu i-Site Centre.