People of all ages came out to the Mifflin Area Library Tuesday, Feb. 3 for a live performance and discussion about Christina Baker Kline’s novel, “Orphan Train.”
Three performers from the Reading Theatre Project, Julia Smith, Amy Shea, and Joel Gori, reenacted scenes from the book, bringing the story of Vivian to life. With the help of Sue Lang, the performers were able to condense the text while still covering the main plot. By the end of the performance, there was no longer a dry eye in attendance.
“[They] made it very real,” an audience member praised after watching the performance.
The audience consisted of members from One Book, One Community, the Heritage of Green Hills book club, and friends and associates of the Mifflin Community Library. Many of whom were alive during this time, agreed that they were shocked and saddened to hear of such a thing happening while they were children.
“Orphan Train” takes place during the early 20th century, covering the Great Depression and World War II. During this period, nearly 200,000 orphans from different areas were placed on trains and transferred around the country in hopes of finding foster homes or places to stay. The story of Vivian tells of common woes and hardships that children such as her endured.
This performance of Orphan Train was one of many presented by the Reading Theatre Group as part of the One Book, One Community campaign that is happening across six counties in Central Pennsylvania. As described on their website, One Book, One Community is “designed to promote the value of reading by recommending a compelling book that links the community in a common conversation.”
To learn more about “Orphan Train,” Reading Theatre Project performances and One Book, One Community, you can visit www.oboc.org.
