As part of the Nelson Fringe Festival, Mark Raffills will be performing Mark Twain’s prose poem ‘The War Prayer’ on Friday 4 May, 5 pm at the Ghost Light Theatre, 146 Bridge Street, Nelson.

‘The War Prayer’ is a scathing indictment of war, and particularly of blind patriotic and religious fervour as motivations for war. When Twain’s publisher rejected the piece as being sacrilegious, the author said: ‘I have told the whole truth in that [poem] and only dead men can tell the truth in this world. It can be published after I am dead.’ He died in 1910. The poem was written in 1905, but not published until 1923.

The concert will include music from Golden Bay artists Lisa Williams and Leigh Strange, plus Kapiti Coast musician Phill Simmonds. They will perform some classic and original songs on the theme of peace. Simmonds has also created the projection that will feature behind ‘The War Prayer’ poem. Tickets are $12, $20 or $32 (choose your price). Book your ticket here:  https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2018/the-war-prayer-concert/nelson