Last week, I attended one of the most unique theatrical productions of my life.
It was a nicely written historical show, performed by a theater company in a small city in Western Massachusetts. The "stage" was a local, historical cemetery.
Characters, all dressed in old-fashioned white costumes, depictin "real" people who helped settle the city, all of whom are buried in the cemetery.
It brought the historical figures back to "life." There were no chairs in rows for the audience in this theater production. Uh uh. Instead, the group of theater-goers followed the first white-clad figure into the cemetery. All the action took place near the graves of those who had been laid to rest.
There were some unique stories told during the course of the play and one got to learn a lot about the settling of the town. Fascinating stuff!
The whole thing was done respectfully and tastefully, with even a touch of humor thrown in for good measure. It was a totally new way to get a really fine history lesson.
Admittedly, after the play ended, it was not hard to beat it fast out of the cemetery and head for home. Even though no curtain to came down, there was no way was I about to stay there once darkness settled.
HAVE YOU EVER HEARD OF A PLAY BEING PERFORMED IN A CEMETERY?
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8 comments:
Never...this was quite a unique experience to say the least...glad you had fun!
Wow! How amazing was that. My husband and I walk in a "garden" style cemetery and have discussed and have imagined the souls coming back and walking around in the fashions from the 1800 to current day.
That's a new one to me. Very unique indeed. When I was young and the family would gather at my Mammaw's house for holidays, all the cousins would get together and walk through the old cemetery down the street. It was so interesting to read the headstones and figure out how long someone had lived. We were always sad about the babies, and happy when someone lived a very long life, but wondered about those who died young. Not sure I would want to be there after night either. :/ Have a wonderful Wednesday. Tammy
How fun! I love cemeteries and this one has fantastic headstones. History comes to 'Life' in this production!
VERY interesting, Susan!
When we were in Buffalo we noticed that one HUGE cemetery was open for Sunday tours. We didn't have time to look into it, but by the size of the stones, we bet there were probably some pretty famous people buried there. I could see this happening there!
I would have loved that! Thanks for sharing your experience..
Wanda
How interesting! Actually, the concept is very good and creates a great scene for a history lesson. But --- I wouldn't stick around after dark either! I bet you won't forget the local history now though, will you!
No I have never heard of a play being held at a cemetery - how interesting, but I'd get out of there before dark too.
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