Several free activities on October 1st will honor the memory of Connecticut actor William Gillette’s friend, confidante and Hadlyme resident, Yukitaka Osaki.

At noon, a traditional Buddhist dedication ceremony will be held at his graveside, at the historic Cove Cemetery, 89 Ferry Rd, Lyme CT.

Taku Hirai as Yukitaka Osaki, William Gillette's friend and confidante.

Photograph courtesy of the East Haddam Stage Company

After this ceremony, at approximately 1 p.m., the East Haddam Stage Company will present a performance of the one man drama based on his life, 'Osaki-san, William Gillette’s Gentleman Valet' with actor Taku Hirai. The 50 minute performance will be in Hadlyme at the Chester-Hadlyme ferry landing, where Osaki's house is still standing. Refreshments will follow.

All activities will take place outdoors. Parking at the landing or carpooling from the Gillette Castle parking lot is suggested.

Sponsored by the East Haddam Stage Company, The Friends of Gillette Castle State Park and the East Haddam Historical Society. For more information, please contact Kandie Carle at the East Haddam Stage Company 860-873-3521, or write info@EHSCO.org.