[NEohioPAL] WordStage Upcoming Performances: Walt Whitman "On Tour" and the Cuyahoga and Cleveland Public Libraries

[Tim Tavcar via NEohioPAL]

WordStage, A Literary/Music Theater 
In collaboration with Cuyahoga County and Cleveland Public Libraries
Presents  
I Sing The Body Electric - The Life and Work of Walt Whitman

In 1855, a poetry collection appeared by an unknown 36-year-old poet, until then known primarily as a printer, teacher, and journalist. The twelve poems contained within were some of the most daring, musical, poignant, and joyful poems to have been published in the United States. They were written in a distinctly American voice and were about American men and women. Their author, Walt Whitman, wanted nothing less than to unite a fraying nation under the banner of his poetic voice.
Whitman spent the rest of his life working on Leaves of Grass, revising, expanding, and deleting its poems up until the final edition issued two months before his death in 1892. The poems and their poet were both hailed as genius and denounced as the most obscene filth. One hundred and fifty years after Leaves of Grass first appeared, we have at last come to understand their author as a gifted translator of the American consciousness.
We also know that he was a master of self-promotion, an American patriot, a fiercely independent person, and a tireless observer of human nature. “Whatever you do, do not prettify me,” Whitman told one biographer. “Include all the hells and damns.” For a poet who spared nothing in his verse, it makes sense that his life story should be told honestly as well.
The WordStage presentation will use material from Whitman’s own letters, diaries, and poetical works – as well as material from his contemporary chroniclers and critics. The Music will be drawn from the Civil war Era.
WordStage is proud to present this performance in collaboration with the Cuyahoga County Public Library, at the following branches and dates:
⦁	Parma-South Branch: Thursday, June 4 at 7PM |
	 
⦁	Strongsville: Tuesday, June 10 at 7PM |
	 
        Berea: Thursday, June 12 at 7PM | 
	 
⦁	Middleburg Heights: Monday, June 16 at 7PM |
	 
⦁	Beachwood: Sunday, July 27 at 2PM |
 
⦁	Fairview Park: Tuesday, July 29 at 7PM |
	 
⦁	Chagrin Falls: Saturday, August 9 )

⦁	Just Added!  Special Performnce at the Cleveland Public Library Main Branch - 325 Superior  Ave. Downtown Cleveland - as part of their "Music at Main" Series to be held in the Eastman Reading Garden, Friday, August 8th at 12:15PM - The preogram will be held indoors on case of inclement weather.

ALL Performances are FREE and Open to the Public!

For directions to the various Library Branches or for further information please visit our web site at www.wordstageoh.com or call  Artistic Director  Tim Tavcar at 216-712-6926