Richmond, VA – In honor of the Joseph Bryan Park 100th anniversary, the Friends of Bryan Park has commissioned local playwright and founder of Richmond’s African-American Repertory Theater Derome Scott-Smith to write and produce an historical reenactment about Gabriel, the slave whose life and death are forever entwined with the park’s history. The play, a one-man show, will be performed for free in the park on Friday, Sept. 17, at 7 p.m. and on October 1, 8, and 15, at 6:30 p.m. Local actor, Timothy L. Harris, who is an imposing 6 feet 6 inches tall, will portray Gabriel.
Gabriel planned a slave uprising in 1800, now known as Gabriel’s Rebellion, which was probably the largest conceived in the history of the South. During that summer, the insurrection's leaders met at Young's Spring, beside the creek that runs through Bryan Park. Saturday, Aug. 30, of that year was the night chosen for the uprising, but in a twist of fate, the plans were foiled by a rainstorm that caused flash flooding. The delay ultimately led to the capture and execution of 26 slaves, including Gabriel and his brother.
In the monologue, Harris will portray Gabriel while he was imprisoned awaiting his execution, speculating on his desire for the freedom of all men, his indignation at the injustice of slavery, the planning of his bold rebellion, and his thoughts while facing his own death.
The performances will take place outdoors beside the tennis courts near Picnic Shelter #1. Those planning to attend should bring a blanket or chair for seating. Signs will be posted to direct visitors to the parking area and performance site. In case of inclement weather, performances will be postponed.
The Friends of Bryan Park is a non-profit resident group founded in 1994 to protect and improve the park. The group works closely with Richmond’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities and has organized the park’s centennial celebration, which will take place on Saturday, Sept. 25, from noon to 6 p.m. For more information, call 804-646-5733.
Showing posts with label Centennial Celebration. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Centennial Celebration. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Richmond Children Can Send a Message to the Future
City children are invited to help celebrate the 100th anniversary of Bryan Park by writing a letter or sending their artwork to the future.
Children who live in the city of Richmond and are in kindergarten through 12th grade can submit a letter or a drawing for possible inclusion in a time capsule that will be buried in Bryan Park on Sept. 25 during the park’s centennial celebration.
In their letters, children should give their age and tell the park’s future visitors about themselves, their family, the neighborhood where they live, what they like to do and where they like to go in Richmond and why. Children can also write about what they think the future will be like in 100 years. All letters should be signed with names and addresses.
Children can also submit drawings of themselves, their family, friends, house, neighborhood, or someplace in or around the city of Richmond, or a drawing of what they think Richmond will look like in 100 years. All drawings must be on 8½ by 11-inch paper and include name, age, and address.
Children can also send suggestions for items to be included in the capsule.
A panel of judges will select the items to be included in the time capsule.
The deadline for entries and suggestions is Sept. 10. All entries should be mailed to: FoBP Time Capsule Contest, P.O. Box 15481, Richmond, VA 23227-5481.
For more information, e-mail timecapcontest@friendsofbryanpark.org.
Children who live in the city of Richmond and are in kindergarten through 12th grade can submit a letter or a drawing for possible inclusion in a time capsule that will be buried in Bryan Park on Sept. 25 during the park’s centennial celebration.
In their letters, children should give their age and tell the park’s future visitors about themselves, their family, the neighborhood where they live, what they like to do and where they like to go in Richmond and why. Children can also write about what they think the future will be like in 100 years. All letters should be signed with names and addresses.
Children can also submit drawings of themselves, their family, friends, house, neighborhood, or someplace in or around the city of Richmond, or a drawing of what they think Richmond will look like in 100 years. All drawings must be on 8½ by 11-inch paper and include name, age, and address.
Children can also send suggestions for items to be included in the capsule.
A panel of judges will select the items to be included in the time capsule.
The deadline for entries and suggestions is Sept. 10. All entries should be mailed to: FoBP Time Capsule Contest, P.O. Box 15481, Richmond, VA 23227-5481.
For more information, e-mail timecapcontest@friendsofbryanpark.org.
Bryan Park Centennial Celebration Set for Sept. 25
Join the department and the Friends of Bryan Park in the centennial celebration for Joseph Bryan Park on Saturday, Sept. 25, from noon to 6 p.m. in the park.
The celebration will feature food, live music, children’s activities, and a wide variety of vendors and exhibitors, including local artists, non-profit organizations, and environmental groups.
Mayor Dwight C. Jones and other dignitaries will provide opening remarks at 12:30 p.m., while Susan Greenbaum, the Chris Adams Band, and the Bopcats will provide the musical entertainment at 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. respectively. In addition, the Richmond Raiders professional indoor football team will be on hand to meet the public, and the Lady Raiders Dance Team will perform.
Arts and crafts, a tree climb, a moon bounce, a fire truck, Richmond's mounted police, and the SPCA's walk-through Tail Wagon will be available for children to enjoy. The RVA Hoop Lovers will provide hula hoop fun, and the Richmond SEAL physical training team will hold a tug-of-war.
One highlight of the day will be the burial of a time capsule in the park. Richmond children in kindergarten through 12th grade are invited to submit a letter or poster for possible inclusion in the time capsule and to make suggestions for items to be included. For complete information on the time capsule, visit www.friendsofbryanpark.org or e-mail timecapcontest@friendsofbryanpark.org.
The 262 acres, now known as Bryan Park, were given to the city of Richmond 100 years ago in January 1910 by Isobel “Belle” Lamont Stewart Bryan and her five sons to be used as a public park in memory of her late husband Joseph Bryan. Come help us celebrate the park's 110 years.
The celebration will feature food, live music, children’s activities, and a wide variety of vendors and exhibitors, including local artists, non-profit organizations, and environmental groups.
Mayor Dwight C. Jones and other dignitaries will provide opening remarks at 12:30 p.m., while Susan Greenbaum, the Chris Adams Band, and the Bopcats will provide the musical entertainment at 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. respectively. In addition, the Richmond Raiders professional indoor football team will be on hand to meet the public, and the Lady Raiders Dance Team will perform.
Arts and crafts, a tree climb, a moon bounce, a fire truck, Richmond's mounted police, and the SPCA's walk-through Tail Wagon will be available for children to enjoy. The RVA Hoop Lovers will provide hula hoop fun, and the Richmond SEAL physical training team will hold a tug-of-war.
One highlight of the day will be the burial of a time capsule in the park. Richmond children in kindergarten through 12th grade are invited to submit a letter or poster for possible inclusion in the time capsule and to make suggestions for items to be included. For complete information on the time capsule, visit www.friendsofbryanpark.org or e-mail timecapcontest@friendsofbryanpark.org.
The 262 acres, now known as Bryan Park, were given to the city of Richmond 100 years ago in January 1910 by Isobel “Belle” Lamont Stewart Bryan and her five sons to be used as a public park in memory of her late husband Joseph Bryan. Come help us celebrate the park's 110 years.
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