Meaning: The quote refers to the staging of "At the Hawk's Well," a play written by the American poet and translator Kenneth Rexroth. The play is a one-act drama based on a story from Irish mythology. It was first performed in America by the renowned poet and playwright, W.B. Yeats. The play is a significant contribution to the literary and theatrical world, and its staging holds particular importance in the context of American theater.

"At the Hawk's Well" is a symbolic and enigmatic play that draws on the rich tradition of Irish folklore and mythology. The story revolves around a character named Cuchulain, a mythological hero of ancient Ireland. The play is set near a well guarded by a hawk, and it explores themes of longing, mortality, and the pursuit of eternal life. Through its evocative language and mystical imagery, the play offers a profound meditation on the human condition and the timeless quest for transcendence.

Kenneth Rexroth's adaptation of this ancient Irish legend was a departure from his usual poetic style and marked his foray into the realm of drama. His poetic sensibilities and deep appreciation for mythology are evident in the play's lyrical language and profound symbolism. "At the Hawk's Well" showcases Rexroth's ability to infuse ancient myths with modern relevance, creating a work that resonates with universal themes and speaks to the human experience across time and culture.

The decision to stage the first performance of "At the Hawk's Well" in America holds significance in the context of the country's cultural landscape. The play's premiere in America marked a milestone in the reception of Irish literature and folklore in the United States. It also highlighted the growing interest in international and cross-cultural artistic exchange, as well as the exploration of diverse mythological traditions in American theater.

The fact that the performance was staged by W.B. Yeats is particularly noteworthy. Yeats, a towering figure in Irish literature and a Nobel laureate, was not only a celebrated poet but also a prominent playwright and one of the driving forces behind the Irish Literary Revival. His involvement in bringing "At the Hawk's Well" to the American stage underscores the play's importance and its potential to captivate audiences beyond the shores of Ireland.

The staging of "At the Hawk's Well" in America can be seen as a testament to the enduring power of myth and folklore to transcend geographical and cultural boundaries. It also reflects the interconnectedness of global literary traditions and the profound impact of mythology on artistic creation. By introducing American audiences to this evocative play rooted in Irish mythology, the performance contributed to the enrichment of the theatrical landscape in the United States and fostered a deeper appreciation for the universal themes explored in the work.

In conclusion, the quote about staging the first performance of "At the Hawk's Well" in America by Kenneth Rexroth Poet alludes to a significant moment in the history of American theater. The play's exploration of timeless themes through the lens of Irish mythology, coupled with the involvement of W.B. Yeats in its American premiere, underscores its cultural and artistic importance. The staging of "At the Hawk's Well" served as a bridge between diverse literary traditions and contributed to the enrichment of the American theatrical repertoire.