The author/editor of the 2014 bestseller Letters of Note (Chronicle) and this month's Lists of Note (also Chronicle), first began collecting letters in his blog. He then used crowdfunding to turn the popular blog into a book. The blog-turned-book has now evolved into a theatrical reading event called “Letters Live,” that premiered in the U.S. last month. We talked to Usher, who has had celebrities ranging from Gillian Anderson to Benedict Cumberbatch reading the missives, about the page-to-stage project.
How did “Letters Live” come about?
Letters of Note came out in October 2013 in the U.K., and to coincide with the launch Jamie Byng of Canongate, who is very well-connected, decided to throw this launch event, which became “Letters Live”. At the first event we had people like Nick Cave, Gillian Anderson and Benedict Cumberbatch. They read these letters on stage and Nick Cave sang. It was the most incredible event and we got great press from it which was great for the book. We thought, ‘why not just continue doing this throughout the year?’ because it will keep the book alive much longer. We just did a five-night run in the Freemasons’ hall in London with a different lineup every night, including Sir Ben Kingsley and Sir Ian McKellen.
What is it like seeing actor on stage reading these letters?
They are always so entertaining. It seems like it’s rewarding for them too, because of the instant feedback they get from the audience. We can’t believe no one has done it before. It’s one of those simple ideas— like the book. The more events we do the easier it is to get other people to join in. It also makes me realize why these actors get paid as much as they do because they are so good. We sometimes have authors read out letters, and they do a good job, but when you have an actor on stage, it’s another world. They really do transport you.
Do you think the performance aspect brings something new to the letters, something that isn't achieved in print?
It breathes life into them. To see them performed on stage is something else. Because we have different performers every show, you get a different interpretation of the same letter, which is always really interesting. It’s amazing to see how people interpret these letters. Often letters that I thought didn’t have multiple interpretations, get interpreted in multiple ways. I thought the way I read them was the way everyone read them. So it’s great seeing new life breathed into them.
What’s the relationship between “Letters Live” and charities?
A portion of every “Letters Live” event is donated to literacy charities. 826 LA seemed like the perfect charity, and at the event some of the kids that have benefitted from 826 LA were in attendance. One of the kids who had just been offered a scholarship thanks to 826, got up and read a letter to the audience and it was gorgeous. A child has performed before in England, and it never fails to move us.
