Menagerie’s Book Launch and Soundscape

What a blast and honor to have our very first ever Countershade event at Browsers Books. We’ve done lots of book events here before, usually ridiculous and theatrical. Austin Barnett directed a soundscape adaptation of Cecilia Meade’s “The Woods,” featuring Alice Rosewater, Basil James, Meg Rosenberg, Christine Goode, and Deane Shellman. It was a joy seeing all the actors produce a scene with foley sound work. The newest element we incorporated to this event wasn’t the theatrics though, it was the public discussion. I sat down with author Cecilia Meade after the fact, and we talked about the making of the story, later opening it up to the rest of the room. I was so nervous to host a public discussion, because often enough they’re always really awkward and quiet and it can feel like pulling teeth. I figured we’d talk about loss, like the book’s theme. But it was even better. We talked about older brothers, and what a pain in the ass they are. The room came alive with discussion! After the fact, several people came up to me and said “More of this! We want more of this kind of event in Olympia.” Felt pretty good, I won’t lie.

Photos by the amazing Laura Stanfill!