June 24th is La Fête Nationale here in Quebec, also known as the feast day of St-Jean-Baptiste, the patron saint of the French in North America. So it’s fitting that I’m spending this weekend getting in touch with my Franco roots.
Vermont History Expo
On Saturday, June 26, I’ll be performing excerpts from my solo show, Piecework: When We Were French, at the Vermont History Expo. The Expo is a great annual event hosted by the Vermont Historical Society. Unfortunately I don’t have time to perform my entire show, but several of my favorite characters will be featured, and I’ll talk about the research I did to develop the play and lead a discussion about heritage and ethnic identity in today’s Vermont. Come spend the day!
Vermont History Expo
Tunbridge Fairgrounds, Tunbridge, Vermont
Saturday & Sunday, June 26 & 27
My presentation: Saturday, 11:45am, Presentation Tent
Réveil! – Waking Up French
I’ve been dying to see this film by Maine filmmaker Ben Levine for a long time. It traces the history of French culture in North America and explores how people preserve their heritage in the face of prejudice, immigration and globalization. I’m grateful to have been invited to attend the screening and lead a post-show discussion. Please come to see the show and chat!
Réveil! – Waking Up French
Fletcher Free Library, College Street, Burlington, Vermont
Community Room, Sunday, June 27, 4pm
Admission: Free.
Voluntary donations accepted for Medecins Sans Frontieres Haitian relief work.
(NOTE: A copy of the film has been acquired by the Fletcher Free Library, and is now available for borrowing, so exercise those library cards, Burlingtonians!)
ABBY PAIGE 