Beyond these traveling historical performances, Herstory Theater seeks to produce plays and staged readings about known and little known women in US History; that tell a story from a woman’s perspective; or are just plain fun!
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“In a Preternatural Way: The Witchcraft Trial of Mary Barnes” The play that inspired “Panic in Connecticut” In 1663, Mary Barnes of Farmington was arrested on a charge of witchcraft. Within a few weeks, she had been found guilty. Told against the background of 17th-century Puritan Connecticut, this play will offers a glimpse of one woman’s life and the time and culture in which she lived. Increase Mather, Samuel Hooker, Samuel Wyllys, and Mary Barnes herself come to life, taken from original records of the Connecticut courts.
Performed by the Stanley-Whitman House “The Roundabout Players”
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“The Waltz” a play based on the life and artistic times of Camille Claudel.
This original work, is conceived, written and directed by local playwright Carolyn Kirsch. The five person reading, underscored by the music of Claude Debussy, will be held in the museum’s Drawing Room. “The Waltz” explores Camille’s tempestuous relationship with Auguste Rodin, her ongoing struggles to be recognized in Twentieth Century Parisian art circles, and the question of her demise into madness. A gifted sculptress, she left a magnificent artistic legacy.
Ms. Kirsch’s background includes performing in 15 Broadway shows. She was a member of the Original Company of “A Chorus Line”, and appeared in “CoCo” with Katharine Hepburn, and “Dear World” with Angela Lansbury. This production is being presented in conjunction with Herstory Theater.
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“Pierce”, a play by Connecticut playwright Jacques Lamarre. Franklin Pierce, the 14th President of the United States, is one of the least studied chief executives in American history. His wife, First Lady Jane Pierce, is one of the most tragic figures to ever take up residence in the White House. After unspeakable misfortunes shower down on frail Jane Pierce of Amherst, New Hampshire, she is thrust on the public stage in front of a nation about to be torn into Civil War. Can she overcome her grief to assume her duties as First Lady?
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“The Guys” by Ann Nelson, a two person drama that encompasses the nightmare of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City on September 11, 2011. A journalist helps a fire captain write the eulogies of the men he lost on that terrible day, and in doing so, they both find redemption and some sort of peace.
“It’s a Wonderful Life, A Live Radio Play” by Joe Landry – the beloved movie, turned into a radio play; 6 actors playing all the roles, and a live Foley Artist
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“The Resurrectionists“, an original musical by Brian Jennings and Chris Weed, based on the true story of the Burke and Hare murders in 19th century Edinburgh.
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“Thank You” by Winchell Smith, a reading for the Farmington Historical Society
“Love, Loss, and What I Wore”, by Norah and Delia Ephron, a touching, funny play for women, and men, everywhere!