LongHouse Reserve will open its 2018 season with Rites of Spring on Saturday, April 28th, from 2-5pm. The East Hampton organization will rename its Amphitheater to the memory of playwright Edward Albee (1928-2016), in what would have been his 90th birth year.
This event is open to the public, with a special price of $15 for general admission, and complimentary admission for members.
Academy Award winning actress Mercedes Ruehl will perform the dedication with friend, fellow actor Harris Yulin at 5:30pm. Former NEA Chair Jane Alexander will speak. This will be followed by the launch of the Edward Albee Memorial Fund for art purchases. Throughout the day, an exhibition of figurative works by American artist Judith Shea will be on view at the LongHouse Pavilion. A site specific work by artist Orly Genger will be unveiled in the garden.
Throughout the day, a video of Albee reading at LongHouse with Elaine Stritch will be played. The reading was held in 2001, the year LongHouse honored Albee. LongHouse Award was initiated in 2001 at our first full-fledged benefit. The LongHouse gardens will be in full bloom with daffodils during the Rites of Spring.
Edward Albee (Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?) was a longtime friend of Longhouse. Jack Lenor Larsen, LongHouse Founder and world renowned textile designer, had a deep friendship with Edward dating back to the 1950s when they both came to live in Manhattan.
As a Montauk resident, Edward came often to Longhouse. He served on LongHouse’s arts committee since its inception 27 years ago. Edward performed and read in the Amphitheater many times, hosted dialogues (including one with Robert Wilson), hosted galas, and even his 80th birthday.
LongHouse staff and trustees will be present for the dedication.
Find out more: https://www.longhouse.org/pages/2018-rites-of-spring