Celebrating Olmsted's Legacy:

"A hundred years after his death, America continues to be challenged with issues of social justice, health 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 Executive Secretary of the U.S. Sanitary Commission in the Civil War, and as the landscape architect for New York City's Central Park, Boston's Emerald Necklace, the US Capitol grounds, along with multiple plans for colleges, communities and private estates.  Olmsted was a key pioneer in the movement to preserve land as national parkland, both at Yosemite and Niagara Falls.

Olmsted's life story, from "vagabond," to farmer traveller, journalist, author, publisher, executive (including a goldmine in California), to becoming the father of landscape archetecture in America is both inspiring as history and reason for continued commitment in the 21st century.

"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 "Biltmore" in Ashville, North Carolina.

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

Gerry Wright:

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. Gerry Wright works in areas of human services, environmental advocacy, international relations.  In the 1960s he founded DARE Incorporated, a nonprofit agency in Massachusetts which pioneered new community services for adolescents with social and emotional problems due to poverty and neglect.  He has also championed projects that foster international communication, beginning at the time he ran the Moscow Marathon in 1982, and co-founded the Worldwide Running Club for Peace with the president of the Moscow Running Club.  He has received numerous awards, including the 2008 Robert F. Kennedy Embracing the Legacy Award and named Father of Community Based Caring in Massachusetts by president of the State Senate.  Wright is founder and president of Friends of Jamaica Pond and has been portraying Frederick Law Olmsted since 2003.  He holds a BS from the forestry school at the Univeristy of Maine and a MS in wildlife conservation from Cornell University, Further graduate study include philosophy, theology, sociology, psychology, and clinical counseling at Boston University and Harvard University.

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

$350 for 30 minute performance followed by question period for libraries, garden clubs and environment nonprofit groups
    
$350 for roving performances and appearances at festivals, receptions and benefits

$1000 and up for 75 minute theater performances with lighting, costumes and props.  

Plus site specific researched references and play adaptations.

School Assemblies & Residencies

$500 first assembly

$250 for additional performances same day

$1,000/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