H. Lester:
Mm. Speaking of, any time frame on that? when can the culture-hungering people of Azeroth expect the next play?
E.Ross:
Well, you see, the play I'm working on right now is a different story, albeit set in the same universe as Cabbage Ron. It is a tale of a young Draenei lady named Puuru, who sets out from Exodar to have adventures of her own. We are to expect more satire and good old irony in the vein of Cabbage Ron. So as soon I'm done writing that, I will continue Ron's story.
H. Lester:
That sounds thrilling, so we will see posters for a new play soon?
E.Ross:
I am not sure how soon exactly, but yes, please do stay tuned. The Midnight Theatre is not nearly done yet.
H. Lester:
You did two showings in Stormwind of Cabbage Ron, and one in Dalaran, opening it up for horde theatre-goers as well. Will the premiere of the next show be in Stormwind as well? or will you aim for catering to both factions from the get-go?
E.Ross:
What a wonderful question. We haven't thought about that yet, but I would imagine we want try to cover as wider audience as possible, so our "traditional rivals" are very much in the picture, given how well received Cabbage Ron was, despite some questionable moments from a Horde viewer's point of view. But humour prevails in the end, as politics and old wounds give in to laughter.
H. Lester:
Divina Foxheart, a bard, recently did a concert-tour played in various inns across Azaroth, perhaps an option for you? A meal, a good evening, and a theather show? I mean. Would you consider doing a tour with the next play?
E.Ross:
Ah, yes, of course, doing a tour sounds thrilling, even though I am hardly ever seen outside the walls of good old Windy. I would personally love to perform somewhere in the ancient ruins scattered around both continents. I find the image of it oddly appealing.
H. Lester:
More books in the future from your hand I assume?
E.Ross:
I would certainly hope so. As long as there are vacant benches in The Lion's Rest, there are opportunities for new poems.
H. Lester:
I know Zhakariah and Deedi are working on a book with their ghost-stories - in corporation with the paper. Your book is published by the Theatre right?
E.Ross:
They are? I am excited to hear that and wish them all the best. I cannot wait to read the book. As for the question, yes - "Notes of a City Boy" is published by The Theatre.
H. Lester:
You considering any sort of collaboration with other poets? a compilation of poems perhaps?
E.Ross:
I haven't really thought about that, but I am open to the idea. So if anyone out there interested in something of the sort - please do let me know.
H. Lester:
Those of us clever enough to be here tonight got a free copy of your book, where would other people go to get a copy?
E.Ross:
The book is sold in every book store in the city starting today. So if you consider supporting me or the poetic scene of Stormwind in general - please buy a copy.
H. Lester:
Anything you would like to add?
E.Ross:
Only my appreciation for giving me the opportunity to talk about my work in your wonderful newspaper, Mister Lester. I am your avid reader and always appreciate your patronage, be it of my poems or our plays. As for something for all the readers... please, do not be afraid of embracing your ordinary side. We do not have to be someone outrageously special to be special, as sometimes less means a whole lot more.
H. Lester:
That is very wholesome Mister Ross. Last question, are you alright with us bringing some excerpts from your book as part of the interview?
E.Ross:
I would love that, Mister Lester. Feel free to choose a couple of poems and share it with all your numerous readers.
H. Lester:
Alright. Thank you so much for your time Mister Ross. I really do look forward to the next from you. Please get in touch with us when there is news yes?
E.Ross:
Absolutely, Mister Lester. Thank you for having me tonight. The Lion's Roar is a delightful source of news, rumours and information, and I am glad to be a part of it to some degree.
H. Lester:
The pleasure is mine.
Before I leave you all with another poem of Mister Eugene Ross, then lets speak about the competition. We have a signed copy of Eugene Ross' new book, “Notes of a city boy" - and all you have to do for a chance to win it is to fill in the little slip in the paper and either deliver it to our office during office hours, or send it as a letter. We will random pick a winner amongst the people taking part.
And with that, here is another poem from the hands of Eugene Ross:
Downed the last of it and went outside
Through the sweaty alleys of the night
Two thirds love, one third homicide
Under the light of a passing meteorite
I went to where the coffin fish sleep
Carrying the dead inside back and forth
Across the seas neither blue nor deep
‘Sir, I want to die exactly west by north’
A thousand steps above the shoreline
I met an old dragon sitting on her perch
She did a great job pretending genuine
‘I’m just a girl reading under the birch'
In the land of stone and trees below it
Shared a cigarette with another wreck
Popular among ladies joke of a poet
‘Nothing better than a kiss on her neck’
Dirty and tired, I wound up in a church
Priest gave me a slice of wine-soaked bread
Then he confessed of his secret research
‘On why the important things are often unsaid’
Right outside I was cornered by the past
The shadows of then, ghosts of long gone
Constant reminders of all that had passed
‘Don’t you forget, we're keeping an eye on'
I sat by the fountain of indifferent youth
Listening to little things things silly and sweet
I'm joke of a poet, the dragon of untruth
Deathwishing soldier and priest of deceit.*
((The full book can be read HERE ))