Classic Novel to be Read Aloud on Board the Charles W. Morgan
Mystic, Conn. (July 17, 2015) — Mystic Seaport will hold its annual marathon reading of Herman Melville’s novel, “Moby-Dick”, July 31-August 1.
The reading begins at noon on July 31 with an actor portraying Melville reciting the first chapter of the novel. Visitors can then sign up to read a chapter aloud as the Marathon continues until its conclusion. Once the reading is complete at noon the following day, the group will celebrate the 196th anniversary of Melville’s birthday.
The event will take place on the 1841 whaleship Charles W. Morgan, the last example of the type of vessel Melville sailed on when he was inspired to write the novel. Visitors who wish to participate in the overnight parts of the reading will be able to stay on board with prior registration.
In addition to the Marathon, there are several other activities related to the novel during the weekend:
“Moby-Dick” in Minutes: The Museum’s theatre troupe, the TaleMakers, will present a condensed, 30-minute theatrical version of the novel. There are two performances, one on each day at 3:15 p.m. on the Museum’s Performance Stage.
Song for the Whales: This evening concert will feature visiting artist Jen Long with her unique whale guitar, as well as performances by the Museum’s chanteymen. Utilizing both traditional and modern songs, the concert will highlight whale preservation efforts and social change. The concert is on Friday at 5 p.m. on the Performance Stage.
The Art of the Word: This collaborative art project will combine the beauty of Melville’s text with pieces of visitors’ handwriting to create a visual representation of the whale in mosaic. The project will be open next to the Morgan Friday afternoon and Saturday morning.
A Scholar Panel, “Ahab’s Tear and Pip’s Tambourine: Sufism, Shamanism, and Symbolism in ‘Moby-Dick’”, will discuss religious themes and symbolism in the novel. The panel precedes the Marathon reading Friday, July 31, at 10:30 a.m. in the Museum’s Greenmanville Church.
The “Moby-Dick” Marathon will be live tweeted on Twitter at @MbyDickMarathon (hashtag: #MDM2015). Interesting facts and commentary will be shared by Mystic Seaport staff throughout the event.
The Marathon is included in Mystic Seaport admission. Marathon participants who would like to stay overnight on the Morgan need to pre-register by calling 860.572.5331. There is no additional fee to stay overnight.
For more information, please visit the Museum’s website https://mysticseaport.wpengine.com/.
About Mystic Seaport
Mystic Seaport is the nation’s leading maritime museum. Founded in 1929, the Museum is home to four National Historic Landmark vessels, including the Charles W. Morgan, America’s oldest commercial ship and the last wooden whaleship in the world. The Museum’s collection of more than two million artifacts includes more than 500 historic vessels and one of the largest collections of maritime photography in the country. The state-of-the-art Collections Research Center at Mystic Seaport provides scholars and researchers from around the world access to the Museum’s renowned archives. Mystic Seaport is located one mile south of Exit 90 off I-95 in Mystic, CT. Admission is $25 for adults and $16 for children ages 6-17. Museum members and children 5 and under are admitted free. For more information, please visit https://mysticseaport.wpengine.com/ and follow Mystic Seaport on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
