The list of events and resources available at the Lewes Public Library astounds! Lectures, workshops, author presentations and performances. Just last week, NASA Aerospace Scientist, Dr. John Mather explained the Webb telescope (how it was built and what we hope to find), a part of the Science and Society Series. There are free hearing screenings, computer help sessions, tax season workshops, children’s programming, book clubs – and even a financial education series. The library’s calendar is almost overwhelming.
Here, we focus on the Lewes Library’s Performance Series, the Spoken Word Society and Shakespeare Festival. Don’t let the Shakespeare reference fool you – it’s symbolic for the most part, although there are some events that involve Shakespeare readings and performances. As for the spoken word, literary works are performed and discussed, bringing stories to life.
These events are free, but reservations are required for certain programs, so it’s wise to do a little browsing on the library’s website to be sure.
Upcoming performances for the remainder of 2022 include the following.
Poe by Candlelight | Sunday, October 30 | 5:00 PM Eastern Time | In-person
Since 2015, the East Lynne Theater Company (ELTC) has been creating a new tradition, one annual night (near Halloween) of readings from the “master of the macabre” Edgar Allan Poe. The Lewes Library Spoken Word Society brings this extraordinary piece to our community this Halloween-eve.
Gayle Stahlhuth, Artistic Director of ELTC since 1999, joined by another ELTC member to read favorites from Poe’s trove.
(Here’s a sneak peek at some of the stories under consideration for that evening’s readings:
- “The Cask of Amontillado”
- “The Tell-Tale Heart”
- “The Mask of the Red Death”
- “Hop Frog”
- “Bernice”
- “The Oval Portrait”
- “The Pit and the Pendulum”)
Truman Capote’s The Thanksgiving Visitor | Sunday, November 13 | 5:00 PM Eastern Time | In-person
Popular storytelling duo Suzanne Savoy and Jack Herholdt perform a rendition of Capote’s heartwarming coming of age story. Scholars believe this story, and its companion (see below), is as autobiographical as Capote ever was. To pre-read both of these short stories in one book, the library, as well as Browseabout Books carries this gift-worthy book.
Gettysburg: One Woman’s War | Thursday, November 17 | 5:00 PM Eastern Time | In-person
A dramatic reading adaptation by Michèle LaRue of Gettysburg; Stories of the Red Harvest and the Aftermath. Hearing this compelling collection presented by an acclaimed professional actress is sure to be a moving and memorable experience.
A Christmas Carol featuring Gerald Dickens * | Friday, December 9 | 7:00 PM Eastern Time | In-person
Don’t miss the chance to see the ENCORE performance by Gerald Dickens, the great great grandson of Charles Dickens. After last year’s resounding success, this remarkable piece is back! Captivating audiences all over the world with his talents, and performing in major venues, actor, writer and producer Gerald Dickens will act out a rendition of A Christmas Carol as 30 different characters!
*This event held at Cape Henlopen High School Theatre
Truman Capote’s A Christmas Memory | Saturday, December 17 | 5:00 PM Eastern Time | In-person
The talented Suzanne Savoy and Jack Herholdt return in a performance of Capote’s seasonal favorite that continues to explore his storytelling from the eyes of seven-year-old Buddy.
Make those reservations and don’t miss out on Lewes Library’s unique and exceptional offerings to the public. As you can see, libraries are not just about books!
Love this line up. The Capote stories are wonderful. I’ve seen Gerald Dickens perform and it’s also quite entertaining.
Thank you so much for this wonderful article! We really appreciate you spreading the word about everything we offer! For more information, people can visit the library’s website (https://lewes.lib.de.us/). All programs are free of charge but registration is often required.