We like to go to the theater. I’ve always enjoyed seeing plays. In high school – a very long time ago – I help with play productions, behind the scenes. We are delighted to have some great community theaters in Northfield and in towns surrounding us.
The other weekend we went to a very unusual play. It was held outdoors, in the Carleton Arb, and you walked from set to set.
The play was called “Nature”. It was the story of the unusual friendship between Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau, and the many twists and turns their relationship took. Emerson and Thoreau were both writers, and promoters of the importance of our natural environment, and of connecting with nature in order to survive well.
Nature was touring across the country and it happened to be in Ely, MN last summer when my husband was in the BWCA. The group of guys he went up north with took time out for some “culture” and they went to see this play. Gary learned it was going to be in Northfield and thought I would enjoy seeing it, so we got tickets.
There were four different sets and we walked to six different scenes and the play lasted two hours. Gary suggested we bring our camp chairs and that was a good idea. The evening was cold and very windy but the play went on.
It is a clever idea… a play about nature, acted outdoors… in nature. Another unique fact is the great, great grandson of Waldo Emerson was an actor. His character was, of course, Waldo.
The tour has ended for now but it may come back again. They told us this was their 9th season. The program states that the touring group is “Collaborating with parks, arboretums, universities and communities across the county in this creative movement to reconnect with the natural world.” I think that is a great goal.
The walking play, Nature, is unique, memorable and fun.
Sounds wonderful! Wish it would come our way…
It may next year…I’ll let you know if I hear anything.
I saw this advertised, but knew I wouldn’t be available to attend. I’m glad you went and enjoyed it.
We went through Shattuck=St.Mary’s to get the tickets, but learned the play was at the Carleton Arb in Northfield. That was nice.
What an interesting concept to walk through the play – it sounds wonderful! Let me know if you ever hear it coming back to this part of our state – thanks! By the way, beautifully written article as always!
Thanks Shirley. I will let you know if I hear of the play coming to our area again.