By Alysha Benejan
CCC Journalism Program
BLACKWOOD – As part of a year of activities and performances, the Readers’ Theatre Project at Camden County College will perform “American Christmas,” an original adaptation of American Christmas literature and music, in December.
“I teach speaking, but I had to do something with theatre,” said Professor Allison Green, who started the Readers’ Theatre Project in 2007.
The Readers’ Theatre Project is designed to “give a voice” to American authors. Each piece is performed in the first person. Staff, students, faculty and the community go on stage with no props but themselves and read literature from American authors. They give a visual and vocal interpretation of the pieces.
“American Christmas” will have works from such authors as Francis Church, Truman Capote, O. Henry and many more.
Students expressed interest in the project. “I’m excited about attending the Readers’ Theatre for the first time,” said Mariannie Zayas, a Camden County College student.
The Readers’ Theatre Project also has an outreach program for the Camden County community. This program is free of charge and is available to schools, libraries, public and private clubs and church groups. The Readers’ Theatre Project will read pieces from different American authors and then have a discussion of the piece just read and a discussion of the performance.
The Readers’ Theatre Project’s performances of “American Christmas” will be held at 8 p.m. Dec. 16 and 2 p.m. Dec. 17 in the Little Theater in Lincoln Hall on the Blackwood campus. There will be a suggested donation of $15 and for students and senior citizens a suggested donation of $10.