The Woodward Opera House is North America’s Oldest Authentic 19th-century theater, whose stage has seen historic acts, entertainment and monologues from all over the world. This May, the Woodward welcomes Daniel Mark Epstein to premiere his latest comedy, Somerset Tavern.
But before we hop onto the stage, let’s explore this literary powerhouse and his local ties to our creative atmosphere…
Daniel Mark Epstein is a distinguished American poet, biographer, and playwright celebrated for his lyrical prose, historical insights, and compelling characterizations. His extensive body of work spans acclaimed biographies of figures like Walt Whitman, Abraham Lincoln, Bob Dylan and Edna St. Vincent Millay, alongside numerous collections of poetry lauded for their musicality and profound observations on the human condition.
Epstein’s honors include a National Endowment for the Arts fellowship in 1974, a Guggenheim Fellowship in 1984, and an Academy Award for Lifetime Achievement from the American Academy of Arts and Letters in 2006. In April of 2022, he received an Honorary Doctor of Letters Degree from his alma mater, Kenyon College. Kenyon College awards honorary Doctor of Humane Letters (DHL) degrees to individuals who have made significant contributions to the humanities and society. A beloved alumnus and literary scholar from the Hill, Epstein has recently given back to Kenyon. Follow the link below to read more about his recent donation of collected work and shared correspondences that is now housed in the Kenyon Archives.
Now let’s belly up to the tavern bar and learn how the story unfolds…
Epstein's plays often delve into historical settings and explore complex moral and artistic dilemmas, showcasing his deep understanding of human nature and his gift for dramatic storytelling.
Theater enthusiasts, history buffs, and admirers of finely crafted writing, should not miss the world premiere of Daniel Mark Epstein's new production, Somerset Tavern. Directed by Ben Viccellio, Associate Professor of Drama and Film at Kenyon College, this unique play offers a captivating glimpse into a little-known facet of colonial America; where a humble tavern served as an unlikely crucible for both artistic expression and legal proceedings.
Somerset Tavern unfolds in a time before dedicated theaters or courthouses existed, centering on Bridget Brighton's eponymous establishment. When a traveling troupe of actors faces a treason charge for a play staged within its walls, the very same tavern becomes their courtroom. Adding layers of intrigue, the presiding Judge, Aubrey Draw, shares a complicated past with Bridget, having been her lover a decade prior.
With most of the accused actors having fled, Judge Draw demands that the remaining two – the seasoned playwright, Roland Bannister, and his promising young apprentice, Morgan Nightingale – perform their allegedly seditious play as evidence. What ensues is a farcical yet deeply allegorical rendition that confounds the Judge and a zealous young lawyer, Edgar Weathervane, who is determined to secure a conviction. Torn between her desire for justice and her growing affection for the accused, the tavern owner, Bridget, becomes a fierce advocate for their freedom.
Somerset Tavern promises a rich theatrical experience brimming with exciting reversals, comedic high-jinks, poignant revelations, and a surprising resolution. Epstein masterfully weaves together themes of artistic freedom, justice, love, and the complexities of early American society. This world premiere offers a rare opportunity to witness a new work by a celebrated author, brought to life on stage for the very first time.
