History through stories
The Presque Isle Historical Society and the University of Maine at Presque Isle, in conjunction with the Maine Humanities Council, are hosting an oral history workshop on Saturday, April 21, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Campus Center, Room 118, at the University.
The presenter, Jo Radner, is a folklorist, storyteller, writer and researcher who has done field work and oral history interviewing in Western Maine. Radner is a past president of the American Folklore Society and a professor at American University. She resides in Lovell and is currently writing a book about the history and culture of rural northern New England.
The workshop will cover several aspects of conducting oral history interviews, including: developing visions and practical plans for oral history projects, the interpersonal dynamics of interviewing, strategies for asking effective questions and triggering memories, using recording equipment to preserve the best possible record of the interview, using release forms, the crucial steps following the interview such as notes and transcribing and finding volunteer interviewers.
Admission to the workshop is free. However, seating is very limited and available on a reserved, first-come first-served basis.
The Presque Isle Historical Society is a 501C3 not-for-profit organization whose mission is to study, preserve and promote the history, culture and heritage of Presque Isle for future generations.
For more information on the Society, visit the Web site www.pihistory.org. To reserve a seat for the workshop, e-mail pihistoricalsociety@hotmail.com or call 764-44816 to leave your name and telephone number.
Blaine playwright wins Maine Short Play Festival Award
For the second year in a row, Linda Griffith, of Blaine, has been chosen by Acorn Productions to receive the Maine Short Play Festival Award. Her drama entitled “Done Deal” depicts two women struggling to execute their wishes at the end stage of life.
Directed by Jen Widor and performed by Denise Poirier and Susan Reilly, an outstanding evening of theatre is promised by this trio of professionally accomplished women of theatre and film.
Last year Griffith’s play “The Trains of Painesville” (also directed by Jen Widor) received an outstanding audience response, her work having a reputation for powerfully depicting deep emotional struggles within an often absurdly humorous context.
Beginning with a Fulbright Scholarship for acting in 1972, Griffith’s career in the theatre has included the founding of the now-famous Wilma Theatre in Philadelphia; the Orielle Women’s Cultural Center in Omaha; and Ain’t We Somethin’, a new art-producing non-profit organization based in Blaine. The latter is a fledgling effort on the part of nine women (eight of whom graduated in the arts together from Lake Erie College in Ohio 35 years ago and includes Jen) to produce cutting edge performance and visual art for presentation in rural communities.
“Done Deal” will be performed on April 4 and 7 at 7:30 p.m. at the St. Lawrence Arts & Community Center, 76 Congress St. in Portland.
Call or visit www.acorn-productions.org/pages/Playschedule.html for a complete festival schedule and to order tickets online.
