Robert Lax (1915-2000) was a poet with a singular vision and style whose quest to live an authentic life as both an artist and a spiritual seeker inspired Thomas Merton, Jack Kerouac, William Maxwell and countless others. Known in the U.S. primarily as Merton’s best friend and in Europe as a daringly original avant-garde poet, Lax lived a life of simplicity, humility and grace that continues to encourage and motivate readers and followers. This film is a portrait of Robert Lax as he was to those who were fortunate to visit him during his thirty years of living on the Greek island of Patmos.
Marcia Kelly of New York City and Olean, who is Lax' niece and trustee of The Robert Lax Literary Trust. She has written with her husband Jack a series of books on more than 300 monasteries, abbeys and retreats that welcome guests. Mrs. Kelly will speak with Paul Spaeth and Anthony Bannon will moderate their conversation.