DelawareScene: SummerScape 2026 | Delaware Shakespeare Presents "Embers of Freedom: Independence through the Eyes of Many" @ Lewes Public Library

SummerScape 2026 | Delaware Shakespeare Presents "Embers of Freedom: Independence through the Eyes of Many"

A powerful theatrical celebration of independence, community, and the shared "embers of freedom" that connect us all. Delaware Shakespeare invites audiences to reflect on a timely question: “What sparks your sense of freedom?” In this expansive and engaging performance, Del Shakes presents a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence that explores this question—and weaves in the voices that were left out of its creation. The performers will share writings from former slaves like Frederick Douglas, poetry from Indigenous perspectives, stories of queer joy, and more.

Del Shakes is the region’s premiere professional Shakespearean ensemble. Since 2003, the Wilmington-based troupe has performed a wide array of Shakespeare’s works and Shakespeare-adjacent projects across Delaware and beyond.

This program is part of Lewes 250, a commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary, honoring our town’s rich past and bright future. Lewes 250 brings neighbors, visitors, and local organizations together in celebration of the “First Town in the First State.”

New this year:

No registration required! First come, first seated.

Open seating under and around the pavilion, and on the grass. Plenty of room for all!

Guests are welcome to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets, or borrow one of the library’s folding chairs. Note: To help maintain clear sightlines for all, guests with higher-backed chairs are kindly asked to sit toward the back of the pavilion.

Picnics are welcome!

In case of inclement weather, the performance will be in the large meeting room of the library. That decision will be made by 1:00 PM the day of the scheduled event and posted on the library’s website and social media (Facebook and Instagram). Seating in the large meeting room will be first-come, first seated in chairs we will provide.

Thank you to the generous sponsors who made this series possible:

Jack Lingo, REALTOR and Browseabout Books

LPL Braithwaite Endowment Fund and M&T Charitable Foundation

The Inn at Canal Square and Delaware Division of the Arts (DDOA)

DDOA is a state agency, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. The Division promotes Delaware arts events on DelawareScene.com.