March 2023

‘GREEN MAN HO!

 ‘Be Heroes, be Heroines’

Book: William Anderson
Music and additional Lyrics: Paul Pritchard

The Green Man - a head with leaves sprouting from his eyes or mouth - is an Archetype or symbol of Man’s oneness with the Earth. He is also called ‘The Face of Glory’. In some cultures he is considered to be the source of all inspiration, and the power that can turn anger into creativity. From prehistory he has appeared at various times in almost all cultures worldwide, often in response to crises or significant social changes.

On one level William Anderson’s poem is a classic adventure story of good versus evil: those who wish to destroy the environment for their own power and profit, and those who wish to protect it. He presents the Green Man as a new ‘Super Hero’, an apolitical figure that unites and protects the whole of humanity. Beneath this is a much deeper philosophical exploration of man’s inseparable relationship with nature and the whole of creation.

The World Premiere of the work took place at The Study Society, Colet House on June 11^th 2022, with the ‘Blaze’ Ensemble and performers and choir from the Royal Academy of Music, directed by Mark Ross Clark, and conducted by the composer.