The Friends of Robbins Library invite the public to “Between Us Sisters: A Dialogue with Louisa and May Alcott” on Wednesday, April 5, at 7 p.m. in the Robbins Library Community Room (lower level). Admission is free and open to all.

Perhaps some of the most famous sisters of all time are the Jo, Amy, Meg, and Beth of Little Women fame, the classic coming-of-age story set in Civil War-era Concord, Mass.

Their real life inspirations were the Alcotts, Louisa, Anna, May, and Lizzie, all deep-spirited personalities who have enchanted readers across the world.

But the relationship between Louisa and May remained a largely unexplored mystery – until now.

Concord playwrights Amy Cole and Stefanie Cloutier, staff of the Concord Visitor Center and licensed tour guides, have created an intimate living history performance that brings these two siblings to life. Based on primary sources including letters, journal entries, and books, Cole and Cloutier uncovered innermost details between these beloved Little Women.

Cole and Cloutier's 1.5 hour long production, “Between Us Sisters,” features period costumes and a close-up conversation between Louisa and May. How did May come to draw the illustrations for the first edition of Little Women? Why did Louisa feel so strongly about women’s rights and why were they integral to her stories? How were May and Louisa’s parents supportive yet flawed? Cole and Cloutier’s portrayal brings a nuanced portrait of these Little Women to life.

This news announcement was published Friday, March 24, 2023, based on information from Amy McElroy of the Friends of Robbins library. YourArlington volunteer Kim Haase prepared it for publication.