Dorset Theatre Festival to Welcome Poet Michael Dumanis Ahead of DEAR ELIZABETH Debut

On Thursday, May 26, 6:00 PM, renowned poet Michael Dumanis will give a special talk at Northshire Bookstore ahead of the Dorset Theatre Festival's Regional Premiere of the hit Off-Broadway play, DEAR ELIZABETH by Sarah Ruhl.

From 1947 to 1977, Robert Lowell and Elizabeth Bishop exchanged more than four hundred letters. Describing the writing of their poems, their travel and daily illnesses, the pyrotechnics of their romantic relationships, and the profound affection they had for each other, these missives are the most intimate record available of both poets and one of the greatest correspondences in American literature. DEAR ELIZABETH chronicles the 30-year friendship between two of the most celebrated American poets of the 20th century. Mr. Dumanis will lead an engaging and uniquely informed discussion.

Born in the former Soviet Union, Michael Dumanis came to the United States with his parents when they were granted political asylum in 1981. He is an American poet, professor, and editor of poetry. Dumanis's first collection of poetry, My Soviet Union, won the 2006 Juniper Prize for Poetry. Other works have appeared in literary journals, including Denver Quarterly, H.O.W. Journal, New England Review, Pleiades, "Ploughshares", Post Road, and Prairie Schooner. In 2012, he joined the literature faculty at Bennington College. He divides his time between Bennington, Vermont and Brooklyn.

This event is supported in part by the Vermont Humanities Council and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Support for Dorset Theatre Festival's New Play Programs and Premieres is provided by the National Endowment for the Arts, the Shubert Foundation, and the Harold and Mimi Steinberg Charitable Trust. "We are extremely proud to be presenting the Regional Premiere DEAR ELIZABETH which is such a celebration of poetry and are honored to have such an esteemed poet speak to our regional audiences, providing a context for this magical play" says Molly Hennighausen, Dorset Theatre Festival's new Managing Director.

Founded in 1976, the Dorset Theatre Festival creates bold and innovative theatre that engages a diverse, multi-generational community, enlightening, entertaining, and inspiring its audience through the celebration of great plays produced with the highest degree of artistry. For more information on this program as well as the Festival in general, go to dorsettheatrefestival.org or call 802-867-2223.

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