A Theatrical Journey through Maine's Lesbian History

On Friday, April 27th, noted Portland playwright Carolyn Gage will present “A Theatrical Journey through Maine’s Lesbian History”. Her engaging talk and discussion will take place at 7:00 at the York Public Library.

Using poems, love letters, and diary entries, Gage will present a dramatic lecture on Maine authors with histories of lesbian relationships – Sarah Orne Jewett, Edna St. Vincent Millay, May Sarton, and Rachel Carson. Focusing on aspects of their lives that have been traditionally downplayed, distorted, or closeted, her lecture opens dialogue about issues that contemporary lesbians continue to confront today.

Carolyn Gage is a lesbian feminist playwright, performer, director, and activist, who has toured nationally and internationally. In 2009, she was named one of the "Ten Most Intriguing People in Maine" by Portland Magazine, and in 2010 was named one of the "Most Influential People in Portland" by the Portland Phoenix.

Gage is the author of sixty-five plays, musicals, and one-woman shows and nine books on lesbian theater. She specializes in non-traditional roles for women, reclaiming famous lesbians whose stories have been distorted or erased from history. Through the years she has been recognized for her work by many awards and prizes. In 2011, her play Stigmata won the Maine Literary Award in Drama from the Maine Writers and Publishers Alliance. Also in 2011, her play The Ladies' Room was named national finalist for the prestigious Heideman Award from the Actors' Theatre of Louisville. More information on Gage is available at http://www.carolyngage.weebly.com/.

Gage’s appearance is presented by the York Diversity Forum as part of this year’s York Reads! Program. The 2012 theme for York Reads! Is the work of May Sarton, who lived and wrote in York during the last two decades of her life. There is no charge for the program, and all are welcome! For more information on Gage’s lecture, call 361-1210 or email yorkdiversityforum@gmail.com.

"Defining Marriage"

The campaign for marriage equality in Maine recently submitted a petition to the Secretary of State to place a same-sex marriage initiative on the ballot for a referendum vote in November, 2012. Given the complexity of the arguments for and against it -- and the heated nature of the debate surrounding it, the York Readers Theater has developed a short theater piece intended to present the arguments pro and con same-sex marriage in as objective and unprejudiced a way as possible. The play is called "Defining Marriage" and is composed entirely of testimony from the 2010, 'Proposition 8' trial in California.

"Defining Marriage" will have its premiere on April 20-21 (Friday and Saturday) at 7:30 at at the York Public Library. Donations will be gratefully accepted at the door. All are welcome

Although the purpose of this project is to inform voters on the constitutional issues involved and why marriage matters for same-gender couples in Maine, it is not lacking in passion or theatricality. It lasts only one hour, includes videos of the campaign advertisements for and against Prop 8, lively debate between celebrated attorneys, as well as some 'expert witness' testimony from volunteers in the audience who will rehearse their set-speeches with the director prior to performance. There will be discussion following both performances.

The performance at the York Public Library is the debut for this important theatrical piece. The York Diversity Forum and Maine Initiatives have generously funded a tour of "Defining Marriage" so that it may be performed in town halls, libraries, churches and local meeting places around the state beginning in May, 2012.

As always, reservations can be made for this York Readers Theater performance by calling David Newman at (207) 361-1462.

Autism

In recognition of April as Autism Month, The York Diversity Forum will show the film, “Loving Lampposts”, which explores the often confusing and multifaceted aspects of autism. Following the showing, two local residents, Mady Buckless, mother of a college student on the Autism spectrum and Megan Miller, a young artist, also with Asperger’s, will speak about their personal experiences with this disorder. Megan’s art work will also be on display in the Kennebunk Room at the York Public Library from March 31 through April 7.

The program is being held on April 7 at the York Public Library, 15 Long Sands Road, from 10:30 to 12:30, with refreshments beginning at 10 a.m. All are invited and welcome.