ASSEMBLY
Saturday, July 4
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.
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.
Local participants will 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.
Join Us
Over the coming months, ASSEMBLY will take shape through a series of free community conversations and hands-on workshops. Hudson Valley residents of all ages and backgrounds are invited to participate. Join us for one event— or be part of the entire journey.
On July 4, audience members become active participants, carrying small lanterns and joining in choral refrains as the procession unfolds.
Ways To Participate
Community Conversation
Community Conversation with Alex and Sophia from PAW
Sunday, May 17, 4:00 pm
The Crescent Hudson Valley Shakespeare
Join us for a lively community gathering to kick off Assembly during HVS’s Community Day. Learn about the vision for this year’s Highland Lights event, how it will be created, and discover ways to participate. Most importantly, bring your ideas and help us name the inspiring figures—past and present—who’ve helped shape and strengthen our democracy
Lantern Workshops
Lantern-Making Workshops led by PAW
The Atrium at Hudson Valley Shakespeare
Step behind-the-scenes and help build the spectacular illuminated lanterns that will anchor the July 4 procession. You’ll collaborate with professional artists and neighbors alike to shape wire forms, layer decoupage, and install LED lighting, transforming simple materials into glowing works of art.
Saturday, May 30
Sunday, May 31
Saturday June 6
Sunday June 7
Saturday, June 13
Sunday, June 14
Saturday, June 20
Sunday, June 21
Community Choir
Join the Community Choir
Sunday, July 4 at Hudson Valley Shakespeare
Lift your voice. Join the chorus. The Community Choir will be a live, participatory chorus performing a five part score composed by Heather Christian specifically for the event. Anyone can join the choir on July 4, whether you come solo or want to learn about bringing your own singing group or ensemble to take part.
Join Us
If you are interested in joining us, please fill out your information below, and we'll be in touch.
