Bay Street Theater’s Literature Live program has given over 48,000 students the chance to experience professional theater—at no cost —for the last fifteen years. This fall, the play Fahrenheit 451, joins that legacy, offering a dynamic, curriculum-connected performance for middle and high school students across Long Island. Fahrenheit 451 is a play by Ray Bradbury based on his award-winning novel, where a fireman begins to question his job of burning books. The show will run from November 13th through November 30th.
In an interview with Hamptons.com, Stephen Hamilton, who is directing “Fahrenheit 451,” explained the importance of producing this show.
The show, Fahrenheit 451, was chosen by Bay Street Theater’s artistic leadership and the education department. Why do you believe it’s timely and vital for the Literature Live program?
Well, take a look around and see what’s going on, you know, in the world, in the government. The culture and independent thought are more important than ever, and that’s what this play is about. It’s about the importance of independent thought, the role of literature, and specifically books, in that. We are using Bradbury’s adaptation. It is his adaptation of his own novel.
Are there any challenges to putting this out at this time?
Not particularly, actually, the opposite is true, I think people are hungry for the kind of relevance that Fahrenheit 451 represents. The truth of the matter is that people are really starving for answers to what they’re facing in the world, especially in this country.
Why should someone unfamiliar with this show go see it?
Because it’s, above all, like any good theater is, not only is it sort of like a message, it’s not just a message, it’s entertainment. Do you know what I mean? That’s what theater is: it is primarily entertainment. It does have a message and a very important message, having to do with the importance of culture and books, especially, as I’ve said. But hopefully it will also be a wonderful entertainment. That’s what theater should always be.
Since Literature Live is geared toward young kids, one reason this show was selected is that it is on reading lists for schools in New York State. Can you elaborate on this?
Yes, part of the criteria for their selection of Literature Live shows is to coordinate between the theater and the classroom. And, of course, after the school performances, there is a talkback session where the kids get to interact with the actors and the production, ask questions, and share their comments. So it’s really an interactive experience after the show as well.
Over the past 50 years, what are some highlights of your theatrical career?
I have to say the primary one was founding and running Bay Street Theater as one of the original founders. As for shows, all of them stand out for different reasons. I’ve learned so much from each show that I direct. I learn something new about the theater, directing, human nature, humanity, and life. The great thing about theater is that through this collaborative endeavor, there’s a takeaway, and it is always more than what you expect.
With all the changes in entertainment choices, what’s your prediction for the future of live theater in the U.S?
Theater has always gone through difficult times and has always emerged as a stronger, more important art form and communication device. There’s nothing that compares with live performance. There’s nothing that compares to the community of people gathered to witness a live performance. That will never go away.
The cast of Fahrenheit 451 includes J. Stephen Brantley, Bonnie Comley, Matthew Conlon, Nicole Marie Hunt, John Kroft, Stewart F. Lane, Daniela Mastropietro, Dan Pavacic, and Anna Francesca Schiavoni. What can you tell us about the cast?
I have to say that these are all actors I have worked with in the past. I’m just delighted to be working with them again, because I’ve worked with them before, so I know they’re all very talented, committed artists.
For tickets, visit: www.baystreet.org
