Wellesley Summer Theatre, 2004

Synopsis: The Book of Hours is set in the famous library of Louvain, Belgium, in August, 1914, during the German invasion of Belgium in the first days of WWI. The library becomes a crucible for those trying to save the priceless collections, themselves, and their country. The play explores questions of courage and faith and the human costs of war and resistance.

Wellesley Summer Theatre, Nora Hussey, artistic director
Director: Nora Hussey
Set and Light Design: Ken Loewitt
Sound Design: George Cook
Costume Design: Kelsey Peterson
Stage Manager: Annette Adamska
Asst. Director: Andrea Kennedy
With: Kelly Galvin, Ed Peed, Melina McGrew, Charlotte Peed, Derek Stone Nelson, Alicia Kahn

Workshops: Portland Stage Company’s Little Festival of the Unexpected, 2005, The New Harmony Project, 2005

“The Book of Hours builds to a moving climax as the lives of these innocent people are forever changed by their decisions in the face of the ungodly war machine. Ed Peed, as the elderly Father Albert, who’s more in love with his books – and his wine bottle – than with his flock, is affecting in his overwhelming encounter with his emotions at the end. As Sophie, Wellesley College undergraduate Kelly Galvin makes a lively adolescent confronted by unspeakable anguish.” — The Boston Phoenix

“The play is punctuated with occasional monologues that are remarkably beautiful in their poetic simplicity, as they orient us to what’s happening and reveal the inner feelings of the speaker. One of the best performances of the evening is given by Derek Stone Nelson as Septimus, the priest who befriends Vera and feels a growing need to do something courageous for his country. Nelson is a quiet, steady force throughout the show … The Book of Hours … builds to a powerful and deeply moving conclusion. Nora Hussey, who commissioned and directed the play, deserves considerable credit for taking on such an important subject, as does the playwright Laura Harrington.” — The Daily News Transcript