Women Draw Inspiration From Apron Strings To Create New Show

ometimes, a faded apron found tucked away in a trunk in the attic can conjure up a treasure chest of memories.

The worn, soft fabric might bring back fleeting images of a beloved mother or grandmother, who wore the apron faithfully for every lovingly prepared holiday meal, used it to dry tiny hands, wipe away tears, and cover a favorite party dress.

Or the apron might serve as a creative springboard for a curious imagination: Who wore the apron? What family recipes did she cook? Who were the family members seated around the table? What was her story?

Local Riverhead women are "cooking up" a new project, according to Cindy Clifford, who, with her fellow Apron Stringers Debbie Slevin, Megan Heckman and Diane Tucci, concocted the recipe for the new show.

Women have been asked to be a part of something that has been described as a "crowd-sourced stage production.  Like Kickstarter only, instead of money, we're asking for your talent and creativity. Woven from women's stories, it'll be like 'Vagina Monologues' only without body parts," Clifford said.

"The Apron Strings Project" grew from an exhibit at the Suffolk County Historical Society, Clifford said. "There they were, this colorful collection of aprons from the 40s and 50s, on their clothesline display, seemingly begging to have their story told. And that's what we're looking to do."

Those who'd like to participate are asked to create a short scene, a monologue, a piece of music, a song, a drawing, or anything else that tells the story behind one or more of the aprons.

To see the aprons, click here. 

"Be warned, once you start looking at the aprons, you will probably slip right into creative mode. At least, that's what we're hoping," Clifford said.

From the submissions, organizers will cull selections then craft a new theatrical production, scheduled to run on May 2, 3, and 4 at Riverhead's Vail-Leavitt Music Hall. 

The performances will benefit both the Vail-Leavitt and The Retreat, a women's shelter and domestic violence support organization in East Hampton.  

Casting will take place in March. 

For more about the project, click here or go to the Apron Strings Project Facebook page. 

Submissions have started to pour in from as far away as New Zealand, Clifford said. To send in a submission, click here.