‘Through the Sands of Time’ at Montauk Library

Montauk Library will present “Through the Sands of Time,” a play by award-winning dramatist Cynthia L. Cooper and directed by Sal Trapani, as a reading on Wednesday, August 2, at 5:30 p.m. The one-person play features Broadway actor John Hickok in the title role.

The play is based on “The Outermost House,” the memoir of naturalist writer Henry Beston who chronicled the year he spent living in a small house in the dunes of Wellfleet in the late 1920s.

In the play, Henry, a veteran of WWI, has become overwhelmed with anxiety that today would be diagnosed as PTSD. For solace, he turns to nature. As the seasons unfold, Henry describes his encounters with the rhythms of nature on the Outer Cape beaches and dunes: the waves, the winds, and the wild creatures.

John Hickok’s solo performance of Cynthia Cooper’s play resonates with current concerns about climate change as it affects those of us who live and work near the sea. Director Sal Trapani is a longtime summer resident and charter boat captain in Montauk. As a theater director, he has earned numerous distinctions. He is a full professor of theatre at Western Connecticut State University.

On Broadway, John Hickok originated the roles of Governor Slaton in “Parade,” directed by Hal Prince, Chief Minister Zoser in Elton John’s “Aida” and Professor Bhaer opposite Sutton Foster in “Little Women.” He can be heard on all three original cast albums.

Sal Trapani is a director, writer and composer whose work has been seen at many New York, regional and international venues including Minetta Lane, Lucille Lortel, Circle Rep, Westside Theater, Circle in the Square, Irish Arts Center, Merkin Concert Hall, La Mama Lincoln Center, and many others.

Cynthia L. Cooper is a playwright whose works have been performed in New York at Primary Stages, The Women’s Project, Wings, Lincoln Center Clark Studio, Town Hall and many more. She has 16 produced full-length plays, and 35 short plays. She lives in New York City.

Montauk Library is at 871 Montauk Highway in Montauk. The reading is free, but for reservations, visit montauklibrary.org/events or call 631-668-3377.