theatrical

PUTNAM —  William Shakespeare, theatre’s greatest figure, famously penned the line, “All the world’s a stage, And all the men and women merely players.” On Friday, July 11 the Bard’s words will come to life as Putnam’s downtown transforms into a stage for third month of the celebrated First Fridays 2014 season. July is noteworthy for several reasons; not only does the July 11th event mark the first ever Second Friday in the outdoor art street festival’s history, but July will also see an auction of thirteen original pieces of artwork submitted for the season’s poster contest. To add dramatic flare to the month’s event, patrons of all ages are invited to dress up as their favorite character from stage and screen. July 11th promises to be an evening to remember as vendors, performers, and community members gather to celebrate on Main Street.

Committee members planned the entire 2014 season of First Fridays very carefully, with a focus on keeping each month distinct and stimulating for visitors. With the actual first Friday of July falling on the national holiday of Independence Day, the First Fridays committee decided to think outside of the box and schedule the event for the following Friday, thus instituting the first ever Second Friday. With such a dramatic change to the schedule, it was fitting that the theme for the July event be an exploration of theatre. Theatre is about masking identity – trying on different personas with the assistance of costuming and make up. What better way to celebrate the dynamics of theatre than to encourage patrons to interact with the theme?  From the Phantom from Phantom of the Opera, to Wayne and Garth of Wayne’s World, to a Disney princess, everyone has a favorite character. Everyone in attendance is invited to be playful and creative  - the First Fridays committee wants to see a sea of costumes on July 11th!

This spring, local artists were given a challenge to create an original artwork depicting the 2014 First Fridays season-long theme, A Celebration of Cultural Diversity. The winner was given a cash prize and had their artwork grace the cover of the season’s event program. Thirteen artists answered the call with artist Thomas Rall submitting the winning piece. Since winning the poster contest, Rall’s work has been on display at each First Fridays event and will be auctioned off with the other poster submissions at the July 11th event. The Empty Spaces Project Gallery on Main Street has donated the use of the gallery for the auction and proceeds will be donated to the Putnam Arts Council, the force behind the many Art Attack performances that have wowed visitors of the First Fridays events. 

On July 11, the public is invited to come and be entertained by the spectacle of art, music, and performances on the street. Downtown Putnam will be full of activity: attendees are encouraged to be a part of the action by dressing in character. As well, children and adults alike can help create a giant papier-mâché puppet head at the Community Art table. Art Attacks will delight and surprise, while the Putnam Puppet Troupe Collaborative will wow the crowds with a variety of puppets. For more information, visit www.discoverputnam.com .

 

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