Epistolary Drama: The Tale of Whaling

This event at the Hudson Area Library marks the return of its exhibit, Hudson: A History of Whaling & Maritime Commerce, and features local actors reading heart-wrenching, impassioned, and occasionally amusing letters from crew, captains, wives, and heroes. In between these tales, a chorus and attendees will sing rousing songs and shanties about life at sea. The drama will be narrated by the character of Captain Edward A. Chapel, a long-time Hudsonian and whaler. The musical director for the performance is Alex Harvey, an expert on whaling songs who performs songs of the sea in a project he calls ShinBone Alley. Location: In-person, Hudson Area Library Community Room. Free.

The performance was conceived by library trustees Miranda Barry and Gary Sheffer using letters uncovered during research for the library’s exhibit on Hudson’s whaling past. 

Date/Time: Thursday, September 4, 6-7:30pm

Registration: Registration required. Email brenda.shufelt@hudsonarealibrary.org to register.

This program was made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.