Prize-winning author debuts new play

LIBERTY, NY — Rilla Askew, a PEN-Faulkner award finalist for her novel “The Mercy Seat,” and a recipient of the American Book Award for her novel “Fire in Beulah,” will debut her new play, “Strange Business,” as a special event at the Liberty Free theatre this weekend. There will be three performances, all at 7:30 p.m., on Thursday, August 17, Friday, August 18, and Saturday, August 19 at the theatre at 109 South Main Street.

“Strange Business” takes place in Cotton Sanger’s auction barn in Cedar, OK. Eunice Mabry has got a family “situation” which, she is convinced, she can fix if she can just find her a “spoon ring.” Unfortunately, she can’t, for the life of her, figure out what a spoon ring is. Her desperate, funny and frustrating efforts to engage the elderly, nearly bed-ridden Sanger in her quest for the ring remind us that life is, indeed, a strange business.

The staged reading will feature performances by Askew and Paul Austin. The evening will open with “Handler,” a solo piece performed by Dana Priebe.

Admission is free. Seating is limited and reservations are suggested. The audience is invited to gather after the performance for food, drink and music.

For more information and reservations call 845/292-3788.