Write out Loud Presents The Festival of American Literary Heroes

Write Out Loud - an organization founded in 2007 with a commitment to inspire, challenge and entertain by reading literature aloud for a live audience announces The Festival of American Literary Heroes. The Festival takes place Sunday, September 13th from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. in the Dottie Studio Theater, part of the Joan and Irwin Jacobs Performing Arts Center www.writeoutloudsd.com

Funded by the NEA, American Literary Heroes is a unique program highlighting four iconic American writers who have left a lasting impact on the social consciousness of the United States, as well as across the globe. As one of only 50 organizations in the nation to be awarded a National Endowment for the Arts - Celebrating America 250 grant, Write Out Loud is currently bringing Emily Dickinson, Henry David Thoreau, Mark Twain and Walt Whitman to life in libraries, classrooms, senior residences and other community venues. Each presentation reminds us of the importance of our humanity, our personal responsibility and respect for our world and each other.

Write Out Loud Artistic Director, Veronica Murphy shared “The 4 performance pieces highlighting Dickenson, Thoreau, Twain and Whitman have been presented individually across the county since Mid March, to rave reviews. Many of our audiences have experienced one of the author performances and immediately want to see another.  The Festival of American Literary Heroes on September 13th gives our audience an opportunity to experience all 4 American Literary Heroes up close and personal, in one day. We can’t wait to share them with you!”

Spend the morning with Emily Dickinson and Walt Whitman. Enjoy a break for lunch at one of the many Liberty Station restaurants. The afternoon features Mark Twain and Henry David Thoreau.

Festival tickets are only $40 and can be purchased HERE

THE FESTIVAL OF AMERICAN LITERARY HEROES PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE: 

10 a.m. Emily Dickinson 
"A Still Volcanic Life"
Written and Performed by Rhianna Basore
Emily Dickinson’s innovative use of form and syntax made her a pioneer in modernist literature.

11 a.m. Walt WhitmanDirect from the Afterlife
Written and Performed by Todd Blakesley
Walt Whitman’s focus on the common man and his break from poetic structures caused him to be known as “the father of free verse.”

1 p.m. Mark TwainOf Sound Heart and Deformed Conscience 
Written by Rachael VanWormer
Performed by Paul Maley
Mark Twain was a prolific writer and humorist, who has been called “the father of American literature.

2 p.m. Henry David ThoreauRipples from Walden Pond
Written by Richard Platt
Performed by Steve Smith
Henry David Thoreau was a philosopher and political ally for human rights and respect for nature and the environment.