It’s time again for another episode of Shagbottom Theater!

July is that time of year in the United States where we start thinking back over our history. Ok. Ok. That’s probably not as true as it should be. July should be a celebration of the founding of the United States and a time to reflect on the actual history and where we are headed in the years to come. Our nation has a great deal more to do in fulfilling its promise of freedom for all. There is a dark history we have left unaddressed.

Have you ever seen the play 1776? That play goes into many of the things citizens should be considering over the course of this month and into the rest of the year. Freedom has great responsibility.

But, as you know, Shagbottom Theater isn’t always so serious. We caught up with the director and star backstage at one of the play’s performances and got him to talk briefly about the historical figure behind his role: Ben Franklin. Many of you know this as the fat guy on the $100. He was a favorite in the French Court. Had a noted dispute with his son. And, he wrote a very funny book. The man had a rakish sense of humor. He wasn’t perfect, but he never pretended that he was. He developed electricity, bi-focals, and many other things we enjoy today. Look him up. Seriously. You need to.

In the meantime, here are some of his waggish quotes spoken by Fionn…

“Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing.” 
― Benjamin Franklin

“Three may keep a secret, if two of them are dead.” 
― Benjamin Franklin, Poor Richard’s Almanack

“Many people die at twenty five and aren’t buried until they are seventy five.”  ― Benjamin Franklin

“We are all born ignorant, but one must work hard to remain stupid.” 
― Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin Portrait, by Joseph Duplessis, Public Domain

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