Thank you for attending Pay-Per-HAP last week, as History At Play™, LLC ushered in National Poetry Month with historical interpreter Stephen Collins of Unlaunch'd Voices. In An Evening with Walt Whitman, Stephen introduced viewers to the "Father of Free Verse," a many-layered man whose, legendary work, Leaves of Grass, was the pinnacle of his literary achievement yet highly controversial in its time. Critics (including his acquaintance Ralph Waldo Emerson), labeled the work "obscene" for its overt sensuality. As the elder Whitman reflected on life, Collins introduced viewers to a man, un-afraid to love as he chose, and whose earthy free verse, meant to be read aloud, would open doors for generations of writers and poets worldwide.
Collins embodied Walt Whitman during Pay-Pay-HAP, reminding us of the poet's enduring counsel:
“This is what you shall do: Love the earth and sun and the animals, despise riches, give alms to everyone that asks, stand up for the stupid and crazy, devote your income and labor to others, hate tyrants, argue not concerning God, have patience and indulgence toward the people, take off your hat to nothing known or unknown, or to any man or number of men — go freely with powerful uneducated persons, and with the young, and with the mothers of families — re-examine all you have been told in school or church or in any book, and dismiss whatever insults your own soul...”
For those who opt out of social media, the week’s BONUS MATERIALS are outlined below. Enjoy primary sources, images, and recommended readings. It is our mission to provide this research, along with supporting documentation in an effort to change the way the world learns history.
5. How EXCITING when we find primary sources to connect our #PPH Guest Artists to the influential and often forgotten women of the History At Play, LLC repertoire! See this letter and the transcription below from Annie Adams Fields to Walt Whitman on the 13th of March 1887! (Courtesy of Walt Whitman Archive).
148 Charles St. Boston
March 13th 1887
My dear Sir:
I hope you will do us the favor to accept the enclosed invitation! And will you kindly take a bed at this house and allow the committee to defray the expenses of your journey?
Looking for a favorable reply and a promise to be my guest, I remain
Very truly yours
Annie Fields
7. We can tell a lot about a historical figure from the early/mid 19th-Century who is frequently photographed. As there were very few truly “casual” daguerreotypes and early photograph sessions, we know it reflects on a person’s willingness to be recognized; to be remembered; to be in the “limelight;” and to be immortalized.
The sheer quantity of images of Walt Whitman at various points in his life is stunning. Here are a few, including images with his long-time companion Peter Doyle, courtesy of Walt Whitman Archive , The Library of Congress , and US National Archives.
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Pay-Per-HAP returns Friday April 23rd livestreaming direct from London! Join British Living Historian Victoria Maitland in a solo portrayal as 2nd wife to King Henry VIII. Explore the many sides of Anne Boleyn and consider the many labels history has attributed to her.
Tickets to all Pay-Per-HAP events are enjoyed at a pay-what-you-can rate of $10-$25, available at Eventbrite -- purchase before 6:00pm ET on the date of the event to enjoy the Livestream and watch again throughout the weekend at your leisure. The episode is viewable until Sunday evening at 11:59pm ET. All patrons receive a link to view the recording on Vimeo following the program.
Chronicling the Legacies of
Influential & Often Forgotten Figures.
FRIDAY April 23rd, 2021. 7:30 PM ET (GMT-5) Episode #46
Viewable for 48 hours!
Living Historian Victoria Maitlandjoins Pay-Per-HAP live from the United Kingdom! From an intimate perspective within the Tudor Court of King Henry VIII, we confront one of England's most tantalizing queens. Legacy has spawned enticing and conflicting views of Anne Boleyn, from the power-hungry, to the witch, to the vulnerable victim, to the political pawn. We now must decide for ourselves.
FRIDAY May 14th, 2021. 7:30 PM ET (GMT-5) Episode #47
Viewable for 48 hours!
Living Historian and HAP, LLC Troupe Member Laura Rocklyn returns to Pay-Per-HAP, taking audiencesinto the world of Louisa Catherine Adams (nee Johnson), wife to the 6th American President John Quincy Adams, and one of only two First Lady's in history to be born outside of the United States.
FRIDAY May 28th, 2021. 7:30 PM ET (GMT-5) Episode #48
Viewable for 48 hours!
Historical Interpreter Kyle Jenks returns to Pay-Per-HAP to reveal the truth behind America's Second War for Independence, in a solo interpretation as the 4th American President, James Madison.
Improvisational Acting In-Person
TUESDAYS, June 29, July 27, at 7:00 - 9:00 PM ET
Newton North High School, 457 Walnut Street, Newton, MA Click HERE for more information and upcoming registration.
Please Note: History At Play™, LLC is not a 501c3. Contributions are not tax-deductible.
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