About the play: Zora Neale Hurston, a woman of enormous talent, rose to become one of the central figures of the Harlem Renaissance. She was an outstanding novelist, journalist, folklorist, and anthropologist.  Hurston believed in the beauty of black expressions and traditions. Although her work was praised by some, many attacked it, focusing on Hurston’s lifestyle and personality- her audaciousness, independence, and arrogance.   After going to Florida in 1927 to collect folklore, she spent years organizing her notes and published Mules and Men in 1935.  Zora, not only loved writing the folklores, she also enjoyed telling them.   Zora celebrated the African American culture of the rural South, because she believed that black people had wonderful stories that the world needed to hear, and she told them proudly. 

This program will be held virtually over Zoom. Register by clicking HERE or call 978-465-4428 x242.

About the artist:

Gwendolyn Quezaire-Presutti’s portrayal of historical women introduces untapped American History, drawing on a wide array of primary historical resources. For the past 22 years Gwendolyn has engaged audiences giving voice to real life accounts, struggles, self-determination and triumphs of women she portrays. Each performance is infused with her unique fingerprint giving an integral portrait of a historical woman or event. Learn more about her  HERE.

This presentation is made possible through a partnership between the Chelmsford Library, Memorial Hall Library in Andover, Gleason Public Library in Carlisle, Bigelow Free Public Library in Clinton, and Newburyport Public Library.

This program is funded by your donations to the Friends of the Newburyport Public Library.