Library dedicates and celebrates new performance area on May 6

WARWICK — The Albert Wisner Public Library has added an outdoor reading and performance area to its grounds.
The River Birch Reading and Performance Patio will be formally opened for use on Sunday, May 6, with a dedication ceremony followed by a performance of Shakespeare’s Hamlet.
The dedication will take place at 12:30 p.m. A plaque will be presented honoring those who donated funds to the 2017/18 Albert Wisner Public Library Foundation Annual Appeal for the landscaping and furnishings of the new space.
Music will be performed by a group of students from the Warwick Valley High School Orchestra under the direction of Keely Blaikner; refreshments will be served by the Friends of the Library.
The public is welcome to join in the festivities.
Following the dedication, The library will present Hamlet at 2 p.m., performed by the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival in the new outdoor performance space.
Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival’s Hamlet brings a contemporary eye to one of Shakespeare’s most famous tragedies. A company of seven diverse actors will play all roles, with some gender-blind casting; in their production, both Horatio and Polonius are played by women.
This tragedy ends with a simple command from its eponymous hero: “Tell my story,” and the production takes this command to heart.
This production of Hamlet will be a streamlined 90-minute experience, designed to bring Shakespeare’s unique language and theatricality at a scale that is both intimate and immediate.
The performance is made possible by a gift to the AWPL Foundation by Glenn P. and Susan D. Dickes.
The performance is free and open to residents residing in the Warwick Valley School District.
Those attending are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit upon. Although outdoor seating is unlimited, the library asks those attending to register.
In case of inclement weather, the performance will be held in the Community Room with seating limited to the first 80 on the registration list.
To register, visit albertwisnerlibrary.org or call the Library’s Help Desk at 986-1047 ext. 3.