Dead men do tell tales in upcoming ‘Spoon River Anthology’ performance
Enjoy a dramatic performance of “Spoon River Anthology,” Oct. 16, at 2 p.m. or 7 p.m. at the Community Meeting room of the newly renovated Grafton Public Library, 35 Grafton Common, Grafton, Mass. Advance ticketing is required for this free event. Sign-up at www.smallstonesfestival.org. Masks will be required.
Five regional arts organizations – Apple Tree Arts, the Worcester County Camera Club, the Blackstone Valley Art Association, the Shakespeare Club of Grafton and the Claflin Hill Symphony Orchestra have collaborated to create the fourth annual juried fine art and photography exhibit accompanied by art, literary and music programs and juror and artist talks. The festival runs Oct. 15-24.
Directed by Catherine Thornton, “Spoon River Anthology, is a production of Radio Active Theatre of Audio Journal and Shakespeare Club of Grafton. Volunteer actors from each group will perform several excerpts from the acclaimed drama conceived and adapted by Charles Aidman based on poems by Edgar Lee Masters. Technical direction is by Julie Standrovicz.
Cast members include Jen Antkowiak, Mary Ann Brayer, Donna Coleman, Peg Ferraro, Leo Frappier, Lorraine Mason, Jeff Raymond, Manas Sarma, Andrew Shiels and Gary Zelch.
Set in the cemetery of the fictional town of Spoon River in Central Illinois, deceased citizens tell the honest, often brutal stories of their lives in a free verse poem style closely resembling an epitaph. Published in 1915, the bestselling anthology is a classic American twentieth century book.
Radio Active Theatre (RAT) produces radio and live programs under the aegis of Audio Journal’s executive director Mary Frandsen and Catherine Thornton, a long-time member of both organizations. Audio Journal, a member of the Massachusetts Audio Information Network, serves those who are blind, visually impaired or print challenged.
The mission of Small Stones Festival of the Arts is to elevate the practice and appreciation of fine art and photography in the region. The Festival’s fiscal sponsor is Grafton Arts, Inc., 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization.
The festival appreciates the support of the Mass Cultural Council, as well as Cultural Councils of the towns of Grafton, Millbury, Northbridge, Shrewsbury, Sutton and Westborough; The Town House Tavern; Artscope and Yesod Foundation, Inc. For more information, visit https://www.smallstonesfestival.org or contact Ken Crater at ken@graftonarts.org
