John Kevin Jones will return to the Merchant's House Museum to perform the poetry of Walt Whitman in the garden of downtown spot. Whitman in Love - Live Oak, with Moss & Other Poems will be presented in four performances June 21-24.
Known for performing A Christmas Carol over the last decade at the museum, Jones will be reading works from the early 12-poem series Live Oak, with Moss, which was discovered decades after Whitman passed. The unrevised poems give insights into Whitman's vulnerability and emotions as he opens up about an intimate love affair with another man. Whitman often spent time in downtown New York City, particularly Pfaff's beer cellar on Broadway at Bleecker Street which led to him meeting his love and muse Fred Vaughan.
With only 40 seats per performance, Whitman in Love will be presented as part of a summer garden party complete with wine and light beverages offered in the garden, with a rain plan set for the museum's grand Greek-Revival parlor.
Post-show talkbacks with participants yet-to-be-announced will be held June 23 and 24.
Visit MerchantsHouse.org.
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