Step into the world of one of history’s most formidable and fascinating monarchs with "Elizabeth I: In Her Own Words," a theatrical portrait of the iconic monarch. The play was crafted by Carole Levin, emeritus professor of history, in collaboration with Tamara Meneghini.
Starring Meneghini and accompanied by Rick Pruitt, the play will be performed at 7:30 p.m. May 20 in Westbrook Music Building, Room 130. The play is being presented through a partnership of the International Quilt Museum and the Glenn Korff School of Music, and coincides with the exhibition, "Crown and Stage," at the museum. The performance is free and open to the public.
Drawing directly from Queen Elizabeth’s speeches, letters and other sources, this play brings the legendary ruler to life through her own voice — revealing her wit, vulnerability, political brilliance and unshakable strength. With a masterful solo performance at its heart, the production invites audiences into the mind and spirit of a woman who defied the limitations of her time and redefined power for generations to come. This production is more than historical drama — it’s an intimate exploration of leadership, identity and resilience. Elizabeth’s words are as relevant and riveting today as they were in the 16th century.
Books about Queen Elizabeth for sale at the event by Francie and Finch.
The exhibition, "Crown and Stage: The Monarchy and Shakespeare in Quilts," explores how quilts and other forms of material culture traveled beyond the playhouse and palace. This exhibition features quilts honoring British queens, Shakespeare’s words stitched in fabric, and contemporary objects that reinterpret these icons. Together, they trace how symbols of the monarchy and theater entered everyday life. These objects reveal layers of cultural exchange, colonial influence, and American reinterpretations of British icons. "Crown and Stage" shows how the enduring power of royal portraits and Shakespearean imagery continues to resonate within popular culture, connecting the past and the present. This exhibition will be on view at the International Quilt Museum through May 30.
