A reading of three poems by Joseph Coleman, including “Alewives,” by one of Britain's most respected actresses, who also happen to be Coleman's wife, Janet McTeer. This very special part of the Damariscotta Mills Fish Ladder Festival will be held on Saturday, May 23 at 2 p.m., behind Russ and Diana Williams’ house near the top of the fish ladder.

Coleman is a poet, among other things, who has been published in such prestigious journals as Esquire, the New Criterion, Vogue, Esquire’s Big Black Book, All America “Family Portraits” by Bruce Weber, and Little Bear Press.

His first book of poetry, “45o North Latitude: New Poems by Joseph Coleman,” is due out this fall. The reading at this year’s festival will be a tribute to his childhood: Joseph Coleman was born in Augusta and he has very fond memories of his parents bringing him to watch the alewives run each spring.

McTeer has won Tony, Olivier and Golden Globe awards. In 2010, McTeer was awarded an Order of the British Empire by her Majesty the Queen.

Her prolific American credits include “The Doll's House,” “Mary Stuart,” and “God of Carnage” on Broadway. McTeer is currently co-starring in Vince Gilligan’s CBS drama “Battle Creek,” and can also be seen in Hugo Blick’s miniseries, “The Honourable Woman” and “Insurgent.” McTeer has just finished filming “Paint it Black” and MGM's “Me Before You.”

In addition to “Alewives,” McTeer will read two other poems, previously published, with a Maine fish theme: “Smelt Shacks” and “Mackerel.”

The poem “Alewives” has been elegantly printed and signed copies suitable for framing will be available for purchase. The limited edition prints include the poem (printed by letterpress from photopolymer plates and superimposed on an alewife print) from an original wood carving by Maine artist David Wolfe.

For more information, contact Deb Wilson at 207-380-6997 or deb.wilson@roadrunner.com.