Celebrating Olmsted's Legacy:

"A hundred years after his death, America continues to be challenged with issues of social justice and conservation for which Olmsted was a most persevering, principled pioneer."

Frederick Law Olmsted oil painting by John Singer Sargent, 1895.

Gerry Wright has researched, written and produced a one-man show honoring the life and work of Frederick Law Olmsted, the father of landscape architecture. The play provides insights into Olmsted's passionate vision as he played critical roles in the dynamics of slavery as a writer, as an appointee of Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War, and as the landscape architect and catalyst for New York City's Central Park, Boston's Emerald Necklace, the US Capitol and White House grounds, and advocate for National Parks.

"Passages in the Life of an Unpractical Man" has toured from the Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site in Brookline, Massachusetts to the New Horizons Project in Vologda, Russia; the Old State House on Charter Day to the 150 year anniversary of the legislation for building New York Central Park, Olmsted Parks Conservancy in Louisville, Kentucky to the Friends of the Public Garden in Boston.

The vision, purpose, and goal is to present a view into the life and works of Frederick Law Olmsted as akin to music, where in moments there will be silence, to be observed quietly with a mixture of thoughts and emotions. Perhaps we might say that the attempt is to create a "symphonic landscape" of Olmsted's life.

The stage setting includes a bed -- as a symbol of Olmsted's illnesses, "handicap" and compassion for humanity, book table -- for a Ralph Waldo Emerson book, a gift from Elizabeth Baldwin, chair -- for three critical passages in Olmsted's life, a desk and chair -- as a symbol of Olmsted's prolific writings, and a coat stand -- for both Olmsted's formal attire and work jackets and hats, indicating the breadth and depth to which he immersed himself in society. The play is approximately one hour long.

Click image for larger version and to download.

Photos by Renee DeKona

The play is written, directed, and acted by Gerry Wright, who has been immersed in the work of conservation and human services for 50 years.

Dedication:

Produced and presented in honor of the 20th anniversary of The Jamaica Pond Project; the work of Christine Cooper and Charles Hauck at Jamaica Pond; in honor of the memory of Justine Liff, Boston Park Commissioner; the Boston Park Rangers, the staff of the Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site; and all citizens who are stewards of our parklands.

Gerry extends heartfelt appreciation to his family, Emily Tisei of the Jamaica Pond Project and the many others who have helped contribute to a meaningful, educational, and entertaining experience

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Presentations and Fees:

Perfomances

$1,000 for first 65-75 minute performance

$600-$400 for 45 minute library performance

$400 for additional performances/same day

$2,000 and up for theater performances with lighting, costumes and props

Plus site specific researched references and play adaptations.

School Assemblies & Residencies

$500-1000/ first assembly

$400 for additional performances same day

$2,000/day for residencies

Teacher Workshops

$500 for first teacher workshop

$200 for additional workshops same day

 

* ASL Interpreting by Wendy Jehlen can be provided for programs ($100 first hour, $50 each additional hours)

Interviews:

Gerry Wright at 617-524-7070 or email FrederickLawOlmsted@yahoo.com

Programs Description

Calendar and Tour Schedule

Travels to Louisville, Knntucky and Ashville, North Carolina

June 5. 2005 "Leonardo and Olmsted: Reverence for Nature"

December 19, 2004 "Olmsted To Honor Christine"

Teacher Guide, Links and Resources

Friends of Frederick Law Olmsted

Emerald Necklace Bird Club

Sample Press Release

Opinion on New York Central Park mission