World premier of 'Birdie' Dec. 18 & 19

CANTERBURY — Canterbury Shaker Village presents the world premiere performance of “Birdie,” the first holiday “entertainment” produced at the Village in nearly 90 years. The dance-driven theatrical production will be presented Saturday, Dec. 18 and Sunday, Dec. 19 at 3 p.m. in the Hubbard Gallery as part of the “Merry Merry Canterbury” festivities that will make the season bright from 1 to 5 p.m.

Dance-Artist-In-Residence Lorraine Chapman, inspired by the story of the last girl raised by the Canterbury Shakers, created “Birdie” with a group of six dancer-performers after diving into the Village’s rich archives. The piece harkens back to the beloved “Entertainments” produced by the Shakers, which included reading, reciting, singing, playing instruments, and performing scenes from plays.

“Birdie” touches upon the story of Alberta MacMillan Kirkpatrick, who, after her mother’s death, lived in foster homes before arriving at Canterbury Shaker Village at the age of 11. Sister Marguerite Frost, who became Alberta’s “Shaker Mother,” welcomed the child with an embrace that was Alberta’s first hug in four years. Chapman’s work reflects this simple gift of immeasurable kindness that filled the young girl’s heart with love and hope. Alberta lived the next seven years in the caring and compassionate community of Canterbury where Sister Marguerite affectionately called her “Birdie.”

Tickets for “Birdie” include all “Merry Merry Canterbury” entertainments including access to the multi-sensory experience “Stairway to the Clouds,” and pomander and cinnamon-tree making activities for the kids. In addition, Candlelight Tours, a Canterbury Shaker Village favorite, will be offered at 4 and 5 p.m. for an admission fee.

For more information, visit nhmuseumtrail.org.

Canterbury Shaker is located at 288 Shaker Road, just south of Laconia and north of Concord. For more information, visit www.shakers.org.