Unique production to share the story of Dr James McHenry
A unique music and drama performance to be staged at the historic St. Cedma’s Church in Larne will tell the story of a local man who played a formative part in American literature.
Dr James McHenry was born in the town in 1785 and was the first novelist to introduce an Ulster family into American literature, which he did in the 1820s with the Fraziers in his novel The Wilderness.
He was a contemporary of other famous American Ulster Scots such as Edgar Allan Poe and President Andrew Jackson and in his later life represented the United States as Consul in Londonderry.
Now his story has been literally put centre stage in a production called McHenry: An Ulster American Story from Larne, written by historian and broadcaster Dr David Hume and to be performed as part of the America 250 celebrations in the borough.
The original production shares the life and times of Dr McHenry, whose last resting place is in the churchyard at St Cedma's.
The play will feature local artist Lisa Dawson, who has set some new pieces to music for the occasion, and dulcimer player Dick Glasgow.
There will also be drama from Gillian Rea, Robert Stewart and David Moore and the narrator will be James McTeggart, well-known in the storytelling circuit in Northern Ireland.
The event takes place on Friday, June 19 at St. Cedma’s Parish Church and tickets are free but should be pre-booked Larne Museum & Arts Centre on 028 28 262443 or by e-mailing [email protected]