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June 14 and 15: THE LOWELL OFFERING
by Andy Bayiates and Genevra Gallo-Bayiates

In 1840 in Lowell, MA, a group of factory workers published the world’s first magazine written solely by women. This is the story of the magazine’s editor, Harriet Farley, labor activist Sarah Bagley, and the rise and fall of their friendship, the magazine, and Lowell’s “Mill Girl” culture. Chicago-based writers Andy Bayiates and Genevra Gallo-Bayiates will welcome feedback as they prepare THE LOWELL OFFERING for its premiere at Merrimack Repertory Theatre in March 2020.

Friday, June 14 at 7:30 PM
​Saturday, June 15 at 7:30 PM
Kent Recital Hall in the Conlon Fine Arts Building at Fitchburg State University
Free with suggested donation of $3-$10

Featuring Denise Alexander, Charles Amaral, Sharon Bernard, Jack Crory, Samantha deManbey, Nina DiRusso, Joanna Karamanou, and Jennifer Knight.

Directed by Kelly Stowell.
Dramaturgy by Samantha deManbey.

Past Readings

February 23, 2019: CHASING THE GHOST 
by Ashley Lauren Rogers

Kurt, a vlogger in the early days of YouTube who used to scream about video games he hated, is married to Patty, a struggling vampire romance author. While Kurt has left that life behind him, anger and all, their relationship will be put to the test when one night he is visited by a shadow person...who won't stop tickling his feet. Playwright Ashley Lauren Rogers appeared after the reading to listen to feedback on this thought-provoking play in progress.

The reading was performed by Charles Amaral, Meighread Dandeneau, Noah Dawson, Brittany Messuri, Leeann Monat, Austin Swallow, and Cheyenne Winley. It was directed by Samantha deManbey.

Director Samantha deManbey and playwright Ashley Lauren Rogers asking questions of the audience after the reading.

March 23, 2019: SHADOWS IN THE CAVE
by Samantha deManbey

Inspired by a charismatic teacher, Will leads a rebellion against his high school's standardized testing. At first, his protests are successful, but as pressures mount from the administration and his own family, Will finds himself increasingly isolated from his teacher, his friends, and his own sense of reality. How far can one young man, haunted by the ghosts of the great minds of the past, go to create an ideal society in the present?

The reading was performed by Matt Cogswell, Mary Darling, Felipe Ferreira, Derek Holbrook,  Joanna Karamanou, Seamus Knight, and Kathleen O’Connor. It was directed by Matt Cogswell. The talkback was moderated by dramaturg Mary Darling.

Felipe Ferreira, Seamus Knight, and Kathleen O'Connor rehearsing a scene from SHADOWS IN THE CAVE.

May 25, 2019: GOOD GRIEF 
by Mary Darling

It's hard to imagine a world without your loved ones, but it's a reality most people will face. After Maggie's brother passes away suddenly, she struggles to make sense of her life without him. GOOD GRIEF explores loss, broken relationships, and forgiveness in the age of social media.

This reading was performed by Charles Amaral, Steven Beck, Brittany Messuri, Jennifer Knight, Leeann Monat, Ken Roberts, and Kayla Schenk. It was directed by Noah Dawson. The talkback was moderated by dramaturg Erik Nikander.