Actor Stephen Collins will perform “Unlaunch’d Voices: An Afternoon with Walt Whitman” at the Mattapoisett Free Public Library on Sunday, April 19 at 2 pm. The public is invited to attend this free performance, supported in part by a grant from the Mattapoisett Cultural Council, a local agency, which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
The play, written and directed by Michael Keamy, was conceived and has been performed by Stephen Collins since 1998 in libraries, schools. museums, and community centers across New England. “Unlaunch’d Voices” opens with the elderly poet Whitman on the eve of his birthday celebration. He begins to reminisce about his life and his success as a poet. He recalls his most famous work ‘Leaves of Grass’ and recites some of the poetry and letters that he received about his work.
In the second part of the performance, Collins depicts Whitman during and after the Civil War, during which the poet nursed wounded soldiers in hospitals and on the battlefield. The audience experiences Whitman’s growth into a mature artist, more concerned now with his fellow man and with nature.
Collins’s performance has received noted reviews since the play premiered. He not only resembles Whitman, but it is said he captures the poet’s sensibility and his empathy and concern for the every day American.
Everyone is welcome to attend this engaging performance, followed by a reception sponsored by the Friends of the Mattapoisett Library. The event is free, and seating is available on a first come basis. Please make a reservation by calling the library at 508-758-4171 or emailing mfpl@sailsinc.org.