Ripples From Walden Pond
by Richard Platt
“Ripples from Walden Pond” is a 55-minute one-person play written by Richard Platt appropriate for Middle and High School Literature and History Students.
Summary
Henry David Thoreau looks back on his life, the influence of his mother who hid slaves, his experience as a high school teacher, building and living in his Walden Pond cabin, his friendship with Ralph Waldo Emerson, and his reflections on civil disobedience, a citizen’s obligations to his government, society, and himself.
Themes
This dramatic distillation of Thoreau’s life, writing, beliefs, and philosophy, is highly accessible, relevant to young people, and immensely entertaining. Experiencing “Ripples From Walden Pond” will not only bring Thoreau to life for the students, but will also enhance their understanding of complex ideas of civil society, a person’s obligation to the society and the importance of personal contemplation for development into a whole person.
Schedule a performance
- Performances are followed by a talk-back with the actor, Steve Smith.
- Study Guide is provided
- This program is provided without cost, through the generosity of passionate private donors.
- Please email writeoutloudsd@gmail.com for more information and/or to schedule a performance.
