Actor Stephen Collins (not to be confused with the television actor of the same name) will perform "Unlaunch'd Voices: An Afternoon with Walt Whitman" at the Mattapoisett Library on Sunday, April 19 at 2 p.m.

The public is invited to attend this free performance, supported in part by a grant from the Mattapoisett Cultural Council.

The play, written and directed by Michael Keamy, was conceived and has been performed by Stephen Collins since 1998 in libraries, schools, museums and community centers across New England.

"Unlaunch'd  Voices" opens with the elderly poet Walt Whitman on the eve of his birthday celebration. He begins to reminisce about his life and his success as a poet. He recalls his most famous work “Leaves of Grass” and recites some of the poetry and letters that he received about his work.

In the second part of the performance, Collins depicts Whitman during and after the Civil War, when the poet nursed wounded soldiers in hospitals and on the battlefield. The audience experiences Whitman's growth into a mature artist, more concerned now with his fellow man and with nature.

All are welcome to attend this performance, followed by a reception sponsored by the Friends of the Mattapoisett Library. Seating is available on a first come basis. Make a reservation by calling the library at 508-758-4171 or emailing mfpl@sailsinc.org.