Books for Africa to feature Dawidziak, Shoman

The Largely Literary Theater Company will present a program of Animal Tales at the Books for Africa Library Project’s annual fundraising dinner. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, May 16, in the St. Bernard Church Social Hall.

The church is located in downtown Akron, at the intersection of Broadway and State Streets. Parking is available at the University of Akron lot opposite the church.

The Books for Africa Library Project is a non-profit organization that helps communities set up libraries in rural Africa. The project has established libraries in Ghana and Liberia.

Largely Literary co-founders Sara Showman and Mark Dawidziak will perform a two-part program of animal fables and humorous sketches for all ages. The first half features Showman in the guise of Sara the Storyteller, relating animal stories and legends from different cultures, continents and centuries. She then turns the stage over to Mark Twain (Dawidziak), whose selections will include “The Long, Low Dog,” “The Story of the Old Ram” and “The Higher Animals.”

The May 16 dinner and play are free, but donations will be collected. This is the second consecutive year the Largely Literary Theater Company has appeared at the annual Books for Africa Library Project dinner at the landmark downtown Akron church.