Nature: A Walking Play

The Trustees and TigerLion Arts present Nature, a walking play about Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau’s mutual love affair with the natural world. The Old Manse in Concord—where  Emerson lived while writing his famous essay, “Nature,” and where he, Thoreau, and other leading Transcendentalists discussed and debated the issues of the day—provides a most fitting location for a stop on this nationwide touring production.

Performances begin on Friday, September 13 and run through September 29, 2019.  Click on the link below for showtimes and additional information.

Grounded in the story of their friendship, this inventive production offers a perspective on their lives that is strikingly relevant, richly complex, and yet utterly simple. Nature is performed outdoors as a “walking play.” A professional ensemble of actors takes the audience on a journey through the natural environment as scenes unfold around them. Bagpipes, ancient flutes, drums and rich choral arrangements are intricately woven into the experience.

Nature is a lively, entertaining, yet deeply thought-provoking opportunity to experience a live performance in a beautiful, historic, outdoor setting. Participants follow the actors as the scenes unfold in the grassy meadows and native trees over a 90-minute performance, which includes pre-event period bagpiping and choral music. Participants are encouraged to pack a light picnic, wear comfy clothes, and bring lawn chairs and blankets to help them fully enjoy the experience. The play is family friendly. Tickets are $25 for Trustees Members and $15 for their children; $35 for nonmembers and $20 for their children. Several performances will be followed by post-show discussions and special events for audience members.

“The first in time and the first in importance of the influences upon the mind is that of nature.” —Ralph Waldo Emerson, “An Oration, Delivered Before the Phi Beta Kappa Society, at Cambridge, August 31, 1837.”

 

 

Sponsored by the Thoreau Society