Historical Society to present historic recreationist
Community members will have the chance to meet literary greats
By Angela Greiner Contributing Writer

Marlborough - The writings of William Shakespeare and Robert Frost have become curriculum essentials in most high school and college English programs, and now the Marlborough Historical Society is providing a unique opportunity for community members to revisit those writers' works. At the monthly meeting of the Historical Society Thursday Oct. 25, actor Stephen Collins will be presenting his one-man performance of "All the World's a Theater" beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the Peter Rice Homestead at 377 Elm St. in Marlborough.

Collins, who visited the Historical Society last year, captivated the audience with his recitation of poems by Frost. Local historian Susan Alatola, who is also the author of the "History of Marlborough" and the publicist for the Historical Society, said that watching Collins as Frost was fantastic and stimulating.

After Collins's theatrical recitation, he engaged the audience in a lengthy historical discussion, during which Collins participated as Frost and encouraged conversation about his work.

"He really gets into the role of the famous people he is portraying," Alatola said.

She explained that it was interesting because Collins brings insight into the perspective and history of the writers and poets whose characters he portrays.

Last year's event drew in a packed house, with more than 50 people in attendance. According to Alatola, the audience stayed to talk with Collins for a long time.

"It was like going to a really intensive college level course," Alatola said.

This year Collin will present several different literary works including "As You Like It" by William Shakespeare, "Trigorin" Act II by Anton Chekov, "Our Town" Act III by Thornton Wilder, "The Marriage of Bette and Boo" by Christopher Durang, "The Journey" by Mary Oliver, and pieces by Elizabeth Bishop and Robert Frost.

"He likes one-act plays and he is able to carry the whole show," Alatola said.

The performance will then be followed by a discussion period with Collins. Alatola expects this year's discussion to be as captivating as last year's.

Collins who is what has become known as a historical recreationist, a performer who recreates a historical scene, event or person. Alatola explained that she thinks it's an exciting way to learn about history.

"It seems to be more and more popular," Alatola said. "It is a rare experience to have: you feel like they are in the room with you, they totally take over your senses."

Essentially, she explained, you have the opportunity to have someone that you learned about in textbooks appear in person in front of you and you get to converse with that person.

"When you become part of the experience, it is very exciting because you can pretend it is really them," Alatola said.

Refreshments will be served after the performance. For more information about this event or other upcoming events with the Historical Society, visit the Web site at wwwhistoricmarlborough. org.