Symposium Books Presents Original Play: "Writers' Block"

This Saturday at Symposium Books in East Greenwich, the store will go from being that trendy independent book store where you can find hidden literary treasures amongst best sellers, (not to mention a fun conversation from the shop’s owner Anne Marie Keohane) to a theatre where you can see a live performance.

Radioactive Theatre Company (RTC) will bring their newest original play Writer’s Block by Shannon McLoud and Stephen Nani, to Symposium for two performances only. As the title suggests, the play is about a group of writers, in this case Edgar Allan Poe, Stephen King, Dorothy Parker, and Jane Austen. The four are joined by Ernest Hemingway and other surprise guests throughout the night.

“While we were writing the show, we knew we didn’t want a traditional staging. As we were writing we could see bookshelves around our characters,” explains McLoud. “It just makes sense to stage it in a bookstore, surrounded by books.”

Not only did Nani and McLoud wish to stage it in a bookstore, but they wanted proceeds to go to something worthwhile. To see the show they are asking patrons to purchase a children’s/young adult book when they arrive, in lieu of buying a ticket. The donated books will go towards two separate book drives, putting the books in the hands of Rhode Island children Symposium not only sells new books, but they have a great selection of gently used books. Symposium already features Chess lessons, book signings, readings, even a local writing group meets there. Having a theatre group perform in the store displays Keone’s desire for Symposium to be a community space that supports local artists and arts.

Writer’s Block is at Symposium for a limited engagement. Saturday, May 23rd and May30th. Both performances are at 7:30, with a preshow reception at 7:00. Make your reservations online because seating is limited. For more information visit their website at www.radioactivetheatre.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/radioactivetheatre