Whispering of Truths
three site-specific theatre works

Message of the May
Originally performed on May 1, 1920 by Felicia Tayloo, Ô22, in the Forest of Arden at Hollins College. The selection served as prologue to Freya production of In the Forest of Hidden Truths, by Julia Mannow Church, Ô21.

Freya
Originally performed on October 31, 1927 by Mary Ellen Franklin, Ô28 on the steps of the Cocke Building. The poem was written by Dorothy Sheffey Baldwin, Ô27.

The Coming of Spring
Originally performed on October 31, 1927 by Mary Ellen Franklin, Ô28, following the poem Freya. Though it is noted as a student work, the composer is not named.

These pieces, including the music, cast lists and performance notes, are handwritten in a Freya scrapbook which chronicles the May Day and HalloweÕen productions from the first celebration in 1903 until 1958. The book is located in the Special Archives Library at Hollins College.

Resources

Hollins Special Archives
Special Collections: Photographs
Student Scrapbooks: 1905, 1909, 1920, 1940
Freya 1903-1958 Scrapbook
The Semi Annual: 1890-1914 Editions
Hollins College Academic Catalogue: 1880-1930 Editions
The Spinster: 1898-1995 Editions
Hollins College, an Ilustrated History by Frances J. Niederer

Costume

Dress designed and constructed by Ginger Pierce Davis, in accordance with period photographs of Freya HalloweÕen and May Day celebrations.
Bodice by ElvesÕ Daughter, made for the New York Renaissance Festival.
Ankle boots by Mia, found at The Salvation Army on Second Avenue, New York City.

Special Thanks

Allison Campbell for her sponsorship and support of this project.
Judith Cline for making sense of the music and my handwriting.
Beth Harris for the many hours she let me sort through Special Archives.
Marc Alain Steier for sanity.