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MOUNT KISCO, N.YThe Mount Kisco Public Library hosted the Aquila Theatre acting workshop on Thursday, lead by New York University professor, theater director and Katonah resident Peter Meineck.
What those who participated did not know until arriving was that their instructor had spent the previous day in the White House, bringing the theater to those who work to keep the country moving forward. Meineck is the artistic director of Aquila Theatre, and the National Endowment for the Humanities invited him and his company to the White House.
The visit was a part of the companys Ancient Greeks/Modern Lives tour, bringing back to life the ancient Greek literature that influenced, and continues to influence, modern day entertainment. Actors from the group read with combat veterans who previously served in Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan.
That was at a very high level, affecting policy and showing what public funding can do, he said. We did readings there with actors and also combat veterans. It was exciting. It was a great event.
Through a grant the library applied for, the workshop made its way to Mount Kisco, giving the public a chance to receive insight into how they can improve their acting skills without paying a cent.
This whole community and area is very artsy, and theres plenty available to people who are well off, library director Susan Riley said. But this is a continuation for the older teens and adults of the community for no charge, and you get professional actors who can share their knowledge and techniques.
Martha Iwan is a reference media librarian, and she applied for the grant through National Endowment for the Humanities. Being able to serve the community more than just books is what gave her the motivation.
I think the library is foremost a cultural community, she said. It represents not just your everyday kind of services in terms of borrowing books, but it should educate.
For Meineck, he was just pleased he could give his own area an opportunity for an interesting and informative night out.
The people who live in the area are very busy, he said. Its about letting them know there are interesting activities going on in their community.
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