Pier One holds Shakespeare

mash-up reading May 18-19

Start the summer season of Pier One Theatre with a staged reading of writer Ian Doescher’s Shakespeare-Star Wars mash-up, “The Empire Striketh Back.” Shows are 7:30 p.m. May 18 and 19 at the theater on the Spit. A sequel to last year’s “William Shakespeare’s Star Wars: A New Hope,” the show features members of the original cast and new favorites — and more action. Admission is free, but a suggested donation is to the Raven’s Club, Pier One’s supporter organization. Raven’s Club memberships start at $40 for individual or family and $100 for business. Members get discounted ticket prices for the rest of the season.

Pier One also has announced plays for its summer season. Upcoming plays include:

• May 20, 21: Home Sweet Home(r), written and directed by Brenda Dolma.

• May 26-28, June 1-3, The Drunkard.

• Iune 9-11, June 15-17: In the Park: Three One-Act Plays.

• June 30-July 2, July 27-29: Chicago.

• July 21-23, July 27-29: The Head That Wouldn’t Die.

• Aug. 11-13, Aug. 17-19: Honor Among Thieves.

• Aug. 25-27, Aug. 31-Sept. 2: Stage Kiss

For more information, visit pieronetheatre.org.

Aspen signs new book

Homer writer Jean Aspen signs her new book, “Trusting the River,” from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, May 20, at the Homer Bookstore. Following her previous memoirs “Arctic Daughter” and “Arctic Son,” “Trusting the River” continues the story of her sojurns into the Arctic wilderness with her family as well as their life and travels in the Lower 48 and Homer.

“‘Trusting the River’ is the story of three people who choose authentic lives, and of the pitfalls and shining gifts that come from following one’s heart beyond a beaten trail,” Aspen writes of her book.

Published by Epicenter Press, “Trusting the River” is $24.95, available at the Homer Bookstore. For more information about Aspen’s work, visit www.jeanaspen.com.