Event

The Belle of Amherst

KRCB North Bay Public Media and Copperfield's Books present the one-woman play "The Belle of Amherst" as a kick-off event for Big Read, Sonoma County Month. The Big Read is an initiative by the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest. KRCB North Bay Public Media and the Sonoma County Library are local sponsors of the annual Big Read, Sonoma County Month that takes place every March. Events are created and designed by community members in order to promote literacy and the pleasure of reading. Events encompass all the arts (literary, visual and performing) as a means to engage even the most reluctant of readers.

"The Belle of Amherst" will be performed by Barbara Dana at the 6th Street Playhouse in Santa Rosa. This is the first West Coast appearance of Barbara Dana whose portrayal of Emily Dickinson earned the praise of Julie Harris, the Tony Award-winning actress in the original "The Belle of Amherst."

Barbara Dana made her stage debut at the age of seventeen in the off-Broadway production of Arthur Laurents' "A Clearing in the Woods." The play explores the life of Emily Dickinson, one of America's greatest poets. Filled with humor, passion, intelligence and humanity, William Luce's deeply touching play brings the iconic poet to startling life.

Even those familiar with Emily Dickinson's poetry will find greater appreciation in her work after this glimpse into her life. Join Sonoma County in discovering - or rediscovering - this amazing poet!

Ms. Dana is also an award-winning author of books for children and young adults. She will be appearing at local Copperfield's Book Stores in the week following her performance.