The Chelsea Public Library invites the community to attend two events in April that celebrate storytelling in different forms—using interactive performance and photojournalism—to tell pieces of history.
On Saturday, April 11, at 2 p.m., acclaimed performer Rita Parisi of Waterfall Productions will present I Am Zelda, an original one-woman play exploring the life of Zelda Fitzgerald. Zelda is often remembered primarily as the wife of F. Scott Fitzgerald, and the inspiration for Daisy Buchanan in The Great Gatsby. However in this production Zelda emerges as the vibrant, creative force she was—a devoted mother, an accomplished ballet dancer, a published writer, a visual artist, and a cultural icon of the Roaring Twenties. The performance works through Zelda’s experience navigating the pressures of fame, identity, and her own mental health. This intimate theatrical experience sheds light on a misunderstood figure of the Jazz Age and offers audiences the ability to reexamine her legacy beyond the myths.
On Tuesday, April 21, at 6 p.m., the Library will host Chelsea Recorded, continuing the theme of storytelling and lived experience. This special presentation features works by award-winning photographer Arnie Jarmak and journalist Josh Resnek. They worked together for decades on the Chelse Record and have since published three books with their industry experience. Through photographs, and excerpts from their books, the duo will share a portrait of the city’s history, highlighting moments, and stories from their perspectives.
Together, these two events showcase the Chelsea Public Library’s commitment to community storytelling, preserving history, and elevating underrepresented voices.
For more information, please visit the Chelsea Public Library, located at 569 Broadway, Chelsea. The Library can be reached by phone at 617-466-4350. General inquiries can be sent to [email protected].