Off Square Theatre Company and Teton County Library Foundation & Friends
to present Staged Reading of Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451
October 10, 2026
6pm Reading
A Panel Discussion on Intellectual Freedom will follow the performance in the Center Theater.
(Jackson, WY) Join Off Square Theatre, in partnership with the Teton County Library Foundation & Friends, on Saturday, October 10, in the Center Theater for a staged reading of Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451. This special presentation of the renowned novel, adapted for the stage by Bradbury, falls on the closing day of Banned Books Week (October 4-10, 2026), the American Library Association’s national observance of the freedom to read, and coincides with Let Freedom Read Day, the week’s designated day of action against censorship.
The reading will bring Bradbury’s stage adaptation of the distinguished 1953 novel to life. In a near future where books are outlawed and burned on sight, fireman Guy Montag has worked as a civil servant for ten years burning books, but lately he has become increasingly unsure about what he is doing and his “vegetable-like” existence. Upon meeting 16-year-old Clarisse, who is filled with strange ideas, he is led to begin secretly saving the books that he was ordered to destroy. As his quiet rebellion draws the negative attention of his fire captain, Montag is forced to flee. In his escape, he finds his way to a community of exiles who preserve literature by memorizing entire books, holding onto them until the world is ready to read again. He is forced to choose between continuing his nonexistent existence and risking everything for the right to think.
Featuring a cast of local artists, teachers, librarians, and youth under the direction of award-winning Wyoming director Anne Mason, this free production offers a timely opportunity to consider the enduring questions at the heart of Bradbury’s work: What happens when access to ideas is restricted? What do we lose when curiosity and critical thought are discouraged? And what role do individuals and communities play in preserving the freedom to read, learn, and think for themselves?
Though written more than 70 years ago, Fahrenheit 451 continues to resonate in a world shaped by censorship, rapidly changing technology, screens, and artificial intelligence.
Following the performance, the audience is invited to stay for a talkback with a panel featuring director Anne Mason, State Representative Mike Yin, librarian and educator Melissa Snider, and librarian Terri Lesley to explore the novel’s themes of censorship and intellectual freedom.
“We are excited to partner with the Library Foundation & Friends to use theatre to spark dialogue around these urgent and timely issues,” says Natalia Macker, Off Square Theatre Producing Artistic Director. “Many of us may have a relationship with Bradbury’s 1953 novel, and his own later adaptation (1979) of that book into a play is a moving and eerie script that has much to teach us in this age of AI, screens, and censorship. Ultimately, human connection is at the heart of this story.”
“The freedom to read is foundational to a thriving community,” says Diana Peck, Executive Director of the Teton County Library Foundation & Friends. “Our January screening of The Librarians film sparked a meaningful conversation in our community about censorship, intellectual freedom, and the role of libraries in protecting access to ideas. We see this performance of Fahrenheit 451 as a continuation of that conversation and an opportunity to reflect and discuss these issues through the power of theatre.”
Reading run time approximately 100 minutes with a panel talkback to follow. ASL interpretation will be provided.
Please contact jaclyn@offsquare.org to request accommodation details.
ABOUT OFF SQUARE THEATRE
Founded in 1998, Off Square Theatre (OST) is a Wyoming professional theatre company offering programming year-round, including theatre arts education and a professional season. Off Square Theatre presents the Forever Free Thin Air Shakespeare series each summer, to provide free and accessible live theatre for Teton County. In addition to our rich calendar of professional productions, OST offers theatre arts education programming to students through our annual Thieme Youth Musical. Off Square Theatre is dedicated to creating high-quality theatre that brides divides and serving as a catalyst of connection within our community. Off Square Theatre’s programs are made possible with support from the Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Wyoming Arts Council, and the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole. Learn more about Off Square Theatre at offsquare.org.
ABOUT TETON COUNTY LIBRARY FOUNDATION & FRIENDS
Founded in 1982, The Teton County Library Foundation and Friends enhances the library’s programs, facilities, and resources by securing and stewarding charitable gifts, promoting volunteerism, and raising community awareness and appreciation for the Library. Together, we envision a welcoming community inspired to pursue its passions, forge connections, discover new ideas, and engage in civic life.
SHOW ADVISORY
Off Square Theatre does not proactively offer advisories about subject matter, as sensitivities vary from person to person. If you have any questions about content, age-appropriateness or stage effects (such as strobe lights or theatrical fog) that might have a bearing on patron comfort, please contact us at info@offsquare.org or 307-733-3021.