Great Lives

Original version

BBC Radio 4 FM

BBC Radio 4 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service.

BBC Radio 4

Radio 4

Radio 4 (FM)

Discussion & Talk

Factual: Life Stories

Biographical series in which guests choose someone who has inspired their lives.

BBC Radio 4 LW

Great Lives: Actor Niamh Cusack on the life of poet Mary Oliver

Actor Niamh Cusack on the life of poet Mary Oliver

BBC Radio 4 - Great Lives, Actor Niamh Cusack on the life of poet Mary Oliver

Actor Niamh Cusack chooses the American poet Mary Oliver.

Actor Niamh Cusack chooses the Pulitzer Prize-winning American poet Mary Oliver as her Great Life. With Baroness Helena Kennedy.

The Pulitzer Prize winning poet Mary Oliver died in 2019.  She was best known for her poetry that reflected her love of the natural world and her famous poem 'Wild Geese' is said to have literally saved people's lives with its message of hope and redemption.  An abusive childhood led the young Mary to escape into the woods near her home in Ohio where she discovered a love of nature that was to sustain her throughout her life.  She found love with the photographer Molly Malone Cook and they lived happily for many years in Provincetown Massachusetts.  Her life and work are greatly admired by many including this week's guest the actor Niamh Cusack and Mary's friend Baroness Helena Kennedy.

Producer: Maggie Ayre

Extracts of Mary Oliver from The Onbeing Project with Krista Tippett and from a conversation with Coleman Barks for the Lannan Foundation

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Great Lives

Actor Niamh Cusack on the life of poet Mary Oliver

Genres

Brand

BBC Radio 4 FM

About BBC Radio 4