By Kath Gannaway
Political machinations, politicians kowtowing to public opinion, lobbyists, corporate greed, right and left wing extremists, stupid policies … politics today ay!
Actually, it’s a scenario that is timeless – at least 100 years old if C. J. Dennis’ ‘The Glugs of Gosh’ is an indication.
The famous Toolangi poet regarded the “The Glugs of Gosh” as among the best works he ever wrote when it was published in 1917 … and many lovers of Australian poetry agree with him, according to C. J. Dennis Society secretary and poet Jim Brown.
Members of the C.J. Dennis Society will celebrate the centenary of ‘The Glugs of Gosh’ as part of the C. J. Dennis Poetry Festival with a special performance on Saturday night, 21 October at Dennis’ former home, the scenic “Singing Gardens” at Toolangi.
Dennis had written “The Sentimental Bloke” and “The Moods of Ginger Mick” before writing “The Glugs of Gosh”.
Mr Brown, who will play King Splosh in the festival performance, believes The Glugs of Gosh is probably the most insightful parody of modern politics and just as relevant today as it was a hundred years ago.
“The dynamics of politicians blown back and forth by public opinion, lobbyists, corporate greed, right and left wing extremists, and stupid policies can be clearly recognised, and really, nothing has changed,” he said.
The Glugs of Gosh performance is just one of many events taking place at the Singing Gardens over the weekend of 20 and 21 October, including an awards presentation to winners of various national poetry competitions and performances by some great Australian poets.
In conjunction with the festival, the Toolangi Forest Discovery Centre is screening two versions of The Sentimental Bloke – Raymond Longford’s 1919 silent film and Frank Thring’s pioneering 1932 “talkie” with a script by Dennis himself.
Mr Brown said the society was grateful for the support of the public, and sponsorship of Yarra Ranges Community Bank Branches of Bendigo Bank.
“By supporting this, C.J. Dennis Festival, the Bendigo community branches have again demonstrated they are proud to support local volunteer organisations and worthwhile events that make where we live a better place,” he said.
For festival information, visit www.thecjdennissociety.com ,The Singing Gardens Facebook, or phone Jan Williams on 5962 9282.
For information and bookings for The Sentimental Bloke films, phone 0447 330 863.
