Colonial history comes to life this January at Modern Theatre

There are few better examples of Boston's struggles with religious freedom than that of Anne Hutchinson. A early settler of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, Hutchinson challenged religious authority in the community, holding services advocating her own unique brand of Puritanism in her own home until her exile from Boston in 1638.

This early American drama story is being brought to the stage by Intermezzo Opera, which is presenting performances of "Anne Hutchinson" on January 25 and 26 at the Modern Theatre, 525 Washington Street, Boston. Tickets start at $20.

The opera focuses on Hutchinson's trial and subsequent exile and excommunication. From the opera's synopsis, it seems an excellent opportunity to see a live theater performance that will also educate audiences about the nuances of American Puritanism - particularly the strands of intolerance in colonial America and the subtle differences and broad ideological repercussions of believing in a "covenant of grace" versus a "covenant of works." 

Music by Dan Shore: libretto by William Fregosi and Fritz Bell.

South Boston Arts Association Presents "A Fascinating Morning" with historian Robert Allison

The South Boston Arts Association is hosting historian Robert Allison for a talk this Saturday, January 11, 2014, at 9:30 am.

Professor Allison is Professor and Chair of the History Department at Suffolk University and President of the South Boston Historical Society. He is also the author of numerous books, including A Short History of Boston, The American Revolution: A Concise History, and Stephen Decatur: American Naval Hero, 1779-1820. 

The event will be held at the Curley Community Center, L Street Bath House at M Street Entrance, South Boston. Free and open to the public, refreshments will be served.