Saturday, October 23, 2010

An important milestone in restoring the Shakespeare Theatre

The weather seemed poised to stop our event. The unusually frigid strong wind along the edge of Long Island Sound in Stratford yesterday attempted to wreck the staging of what was the official public presentation of the new Sundial donated by Timex at the American Shakespeare Theatre. Even the clouds made their best attempt to hinder the sunlight. Yet, the monolithic theater adorned in spots of vibrant colors stood out as beacon of restored hope.

This is a project I have been proud to play an integral role in. And I am proud that my employer has seen an opportunity to step in and help restore a once vibrant arts and theater community in Connecticut. The former Summer home to Broadway's top performers, directors and stagehands during the 1950s–1980s. 

Sundial Unveiling Press Event - October 22, 2010
Countless hours of my own time were spent on historical research and various internal efforts necessary to make the sponsorship happen. I managed an impressive project team of dynamic people from varying disciplines wanting to be involved in such a unique and historic project. I had the unexpected opportunity to work with a sundial expert, learning the nuances of timekeeping by the sun as it relates to longitude, latitude and variances of the earth's orbit, all to make this the most accurate sundial possible. 

The largest reward, however, came from my experience in working with and meeting the passionate volunteers and public officials of the local Stratford community. People who have dedicate much of their time to clean up and repair this theater, which sat neglected for about a quarter century. People, despite the grim chance of this theater ever coming back to life, doing all they can to keep the spirit of Shakespeare alive. And as evident from yesterday's press event, it looks like their dreams are coming to fruition. 

The restored sundial was an awesome first step in a long and arduous process, one well worth taking. And a cause I have now committed to on a personal level.

No comments:

Post a Comment