The Oyster Bay Historical Society has announced a staged reading of “Salt Water People” by American Lore Theater has been set for Sunday, November 3rd, at 2 pm. This event is part of the Waterfront Heroes exhibit, celebrating those who preserve New York’s maritime heritage.
The play, by Jake Rosenberg, loosely based on Peter Matthiessen’s book, Men’s Lives, focuses on the plight of the Baymen of Long Island, and of the Bonackers, descendants of one of the oldest European settlers on Long Island, and their unique and rapidly fading American English dialect.
To prepare for the November 3rd show, American Lore Theater members spent time learning from experienced local Baymen including Oyster Bay bayman Bill Fetzer, listening to archival recordings, and reading historical documents. The show will feature Trevor Jones, Thomas Hedlund, Juliana Sass, Allison Boenig, Ruthie Ofrasio, and Jac Bernhard.
The Waterfront Heroes exhibit is curated by Long Island Traditions, City Lore, and folklorists Naomi Sturm and Dan Ward, the exhibit celebrates unique folk artists and tradition bearers from Staten Island, New York City’s outer boroughs, and Long Island.
Admission to the event is free of charge. The Oyster Bay Historical Society is located at 20 Summit Street, Oyster Bay. More information is available online.
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