xThe Frank Theatre Company
Walt Whitman's Secret

Dates and Venue Oct. 14- 23, Wednesday to Saturday, 8 pm and Sunday, 2 pm @ Presentation House Theatre, 333 Chesterfield Ave, North Vancouver

Reviewer Darren Cordeiro

Based on the novel by George Fetherling, this theatrical piece by Sean O’Leary touches on the iconic life of Walt Whitman, known for his poetry on realism, romance, revelry and more.
The theatrical piece indulges into the secret life of Whitman in terms of his sexuality while also questioning his apprentice Horace in terms of whether he was willing to break the branch of his professional duties to Walt to pursue his true love for Anne.

Based on the real life of Whitman back in those times, one had to ask themselves how they would have acted? A notorious poet… yes. A secret desire for a same sex relationship that could be uncovered to the public? Who knows what we would do in the 1800s given those pressures.


The simple set was appropriate where their century-period dialogue was the object of attention. The music also allowed the audience to just focus on the poetry, accompanied by the literal ‘writing on the wall’. The acting was well done and poetry enthusiasts would be captivated throughout the performance.

I would suggest anyone who has an admiration for Walt Whitman’s poetry to check out this performance. With the audience’s laughter and attention to the poetic nature, it was evident everyone was well entertained.

© 2016 Darren Cordeiro