Stage Door Reading Series Returns to Irvington Town Hall Theater

Irvington Town Hall Theater returns with a third season of its Stage Door Series, when new works are presented in a relaxed setting, without sets or costumes. The readings are meant to encourage audiences to engage with the playwright’s words. On April 13, the series will present a reading by award-winning playwright Samuel Harps. The Burning of New York tells the true story of an alleged slave rebellion and a conspiracy that terrorized New York City residents in Lower Manhattan with a series of fires in 1741. After a brief trial, ultimately 35 of the accused conspirators were hanged or burned at the stake, while nearly 100 others were banished from New York. John Hughson Bar, the only establishment in New York City where blacks, whites, slaves and free men all frequented, was among those under investigation. There will be a Q&A with the playwright following the reading. For more info, visit: irvingtontheater.com.

A version of this article first appeared in the April 2017 issue of ArtsNews, ArtsWestchester’s monthly publication. ArtsNews is distributed throughout Westchester County. A digital copy is also available at artsw.org/artsnews. 

Photo caption: Samuel Harps (photo courtesy of Irvington Town Hall Theater)