Gather in J. Pierpont Morgan’s historic library for performance and discussion of Virginia Woolf’s play, Freshwater: A Comedy (96 pages), about her great-aunt, photographer Julia Margaret Cameron.
In collaboration with Clubbed Thumb, actors will perform select scenes from the play as a point of departure for discussion led by David Rigano, blending literary and performing arts in an intimate evening of entertainment, discussion, and community. Please note that this program is organized as a participatory conversation and attendees are encouraged to read the play prior to the program.
Virginia Woolf’s only play, Freshwater: A Comedy, was written in 1935 and performed once in her lifetime. Named for Freshwater, Isle of Wight, where her great-aunt Julia Margaret Cameron lived, the play collapses a number of historic events into a single afternoon. A cast of characters from Cameron’s social circle flit in and out of scenes, including poet Alfred Lord Tennyson, artist George Frederick Watts, and actress Ellen Terry.
Clubbed Thumb commissions, develops and produces funny, strange and provocative new plays by living American writers. Clubbed Thumb is a groundbreaker, with a precise curatorial vision and a remarkable track record for launching artists’ careers; and an incubator, nurturing plays, collaborations, and above all artists, through thoughtfully deployed resources, opportunities, mentorship and hospitality.
This program takes place in J. Pierpont Morgan’s historic library. Doors to the library will open 30 minutes before the program begins. Julia Margaret Cameron: Arresting Beauty will be open for program attendees from 5:30–6:30 PM.
Please e-mail public_programs@themorgan.org with questions about accessibility.
Henry Herschel Hay Cameron, Mrs Julia Margaret Cameron, 1870, albumen print ©The Royal Photographic Society Collection at the V&A, acquired with the generous assistance of the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Art Fund. Museum no. RPS.630-2017.