Shakespeare and Saving Manuscripts

The Middlesex Community College Drama Club presents an abridged version (approximately 60 minutes) of William Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" on Wednesday May 11 at 4:30 p.m. and Thursday May 12 at 5 p.m. in the Grove behind Founder's Hall.  The cast, students in MxCC's Theater 121 Class, invite everyone to check out its production - the weather looks to be just fine for a late afternoon theatrical repast.  Bring lawn chairs and/or blankets, probably a jacket (I know from experience that there is always a breeze up at the Grove) and be ready to have a fun time.  The event is free.  MxCC is located on Training Hill Road and there is, usually, plenty of parking.

Also on Wednesday, Congregation Adath Israel and Wesleyan's Olin Library Special Collection & Archives will enter into an agreement in which the rare books from the Middletown synagogue's Museum of Judiaca will be stored in the archive to better preserve them for future generations.  The collection, the life-long passion of Middletown businessman Nathan Shapiro and his wife Shirley, is made up of many fascinating artifacts and books, mostly from Eastern Europe.  The Shapiros have both passed on but the collection has outgrown its home at CAI and the books, many in delicate condition, have been in need of special attention.  Thanks to Wesleyan Associate Professor of History Magda Teter (she's also the Director of the Jewish and Israel Studies Program), the Congregation has agreed to "loan" the books to the Wesleyan's Archives. Not only will the books be in a more hospitable environment, experts from the University will clean, restore and protect the items. Students from Professor Teter's Jewish History classes (and others) will be able to use the books for research.

The agreement will be signed in a ceremony to be held at 6:30 p.m. at Adath Israel, 8 Broad Street.  Both Professor Teter and Head of Special Collections Suzy Taraba will speak about the books and how they will be used and cared for in Special Collections & Archives.The event is free and open to the public.