ASSEMBLY: A Procession of American Luminaries

Saturday, July 4
8:00PM - Check-in
8:30PM - Procession Begins

JOIN US FOR A COMMUNITY PROCESSION

Highland Lights returns to celebrate five years of illuminating Hudson Valley Shakespeare’s landscape through community-built processions. Processional Arts Workshop and award-winning composer Heather Christian (Animal Wisdom, Oratorio for Living Things) are coming together to create an ambulatory performance that reflects on 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Everyone can get involved! Local participants are invited to be an active part of the procession as they journey at dusk as revolutionary figures from the distant and recent past emerge to form a growing luminous serpentine puppet inspired by Benjamin Franklin’s iconic “Join or Die” image. Grab a lantern or lift your voice as you join a Community Choir performing a five part score composed by Heather Christian specifically for the event. No preparation required.

Register
Content Highland Lights Snake Community
Photo by Jeff Mikkelson

Join Us

ASSEMBLY is created through a series of free community conversations and hands-on workshops. Hudson Valley residents of all ages and backgrounds were invited to participate. We've concluded our weekend workshop offerings for 2026.

If you missed the workshops but want to get involved, all audience members attending the event can become active participants, carrying small lanterns and joining in choral refrains as the procession unfolds.

Content Rehearsal Highland Lights Community
Photo by Jeff Mikkelson

About Assembly

When asked what form governance the newly minted nation would assume, Benjamin Franklin famously replied, “A republic, if you can keep it.” Franklin knew that sustaining democracy would be a never-ending task.

Assembly evokes the foundational act of gathering and building. Through light, movement, and voice, the performance offers a moment of reflection on common values, civic imagination, and the ongoing work of forming a more expansive “we.” Rather than presenting a single argument or narrative, Assembly creates space for many histories, many perspectives, and the possibility of shared celebration.

Content Lady With Lantern Highland Lights Community
Photo by Jeff Mikkelson

BEFORE YOU GO

  1. Location: The Procession will take place on the grounds of Hudson Valley Shakespeare. The route will wind around the property along old golf cart paths and natural pathways.

  2. Weather: This event will take place rain or shine. In the event of heavy rain, we will move the procession under cover.

  3. Tickets: We encourage registration in-advance, but it is not required. Simply visit our staff at our welcome table when you arrive.

  4. Parking: Please park in the HVS gravel lot. Access to the campus is via Route 9 only.

  5. Procession Start: The Procession will leave from HVS's administrative offices (a small, cedar clad brown cottage). Once you've parked, follow the signage!

  6. Concessions: HVS Concessions will be open at the theater after the event with drinks, popcorn, and cookies available for purchase.

  7. What to Wear: Please wear sensible shoes and dress in layers. The procession follows a natural route with some uneven terrain, and temperatures may cool after sunset.

  8. Duration: The procession will take approximately one hour to complete.

  9. Accessibility: If you would like to attend and have accessibility needs, please contact us in advance at boxoffice@hvshakespeare.org so we can help make your experience as comfortable as possible.