Memory of Winter

It’s winter, for now. And Billie Peterson is in Minnesota, again, for now. Though she’s not “home,” No, she’s here as a journalist, to report on a hearty band of scientists as they gather data on Lake Superior, and she’s coming to terms with the fact that not even the coldest, deepest, largest lake in North America is immune from the effects of climate change. More importantly, the lake is reminding Billie that...

It’s winter, for now. And Billie Peterson is in Minnesota, again, for now. Though she’s not “home,” No, she’s here as a journalist, to report on a hearty band of scientists as they gather data on Lake Superior, and she’s coming to terms with the fact that not even the coldest, deepest, largest lake in North America is immune from the effects of climate change. More importantly, the lake is reminding Billie that maybe loving a place requires more from her, maybe requires more from all of us.

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Memory of Winter

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  • Adam Hunter Howard: Memory of Winter

    Palmquist does it again with her masterful union of dramatic stakes and the larger questions that are required of important theatre. Her ingenious use of pacing as both metaphor and conflict-building help to flesh out fascinating, complex characters and, at the same time, comments on the very real concerns that any sane person should have about the world around us. Her characters are brilliant - so often revealing traits through their actions and what they DON'T say - and their respective journeys keep us on the edge of our seats. This is a play that requires an immediate production.

    Palmquist does it again with her masterful union of dramatic stakes and the larger questions that are required of important theatre. Her ingenious use of pacing as both metaphor and conflict-building help to flesh out fascinating, complex characters and, at the same time, comments on the very real concerns that any sane person should have about the world around us. Her characters are brilliant - so often revealing traits through their actions and what they DON'T say - and their respective journeys keep us on the edge of our seats. This is a play that requires an immediate production.

  • Shayne Eastin: Memory of Winter

    This play so easily paints a beautiful and intriguing world that you just want to dive into-sub zero and all. The characters are thoughtful, crisp, and familiar. Palmquist keeps some beautiful surprises up her sleeve that I won't spoil here--but this is one of the most creative, tender and necessary plays about humanity's relationship to our environment. This needs be on stage as soon as possible so I can enjoy over and over again.

    This play so easily paints a beautiful and intriguing world that you just want to dive into-sub zero and all. The characters are thoughtful, crisp, and familiar. Palmquist keeps some beautiful surprises up her sleeve that I won't spoil here--but this is one of the most creative, tender and necessary plays about humanity's relationship to our environment. This needs be on stage as soon as possible so I can enjoy over and over again.

  • Mak Shealy: Memory of Winter

    This play is a spectacular example of theatre being a space for dialogue that is driving toward change, both in the space of (local and collective) climate activism and in the small moments where human understanding is built, between people who might not have expected to see eye to eye. Palmquist effortlessly and expertly draws a parallel between the murky depths of Lake Superior and the secrets she holds with the equally rough relationship between a well-meaning journalist and a burnt-out scientist. This play is vital and I can't wait to see a full production very soon!

    This play is a spectacular example of theatre being a space for dialogue that is driving toward change, both in the space of (local and collective) climate activism and in the small moments where human understanding is built, between people who might not have expected to see eye to eye. Palmquist effortlessly and expertly draws a parallel between the murky depths of Lake Superior and the secrets she holds with the equally rough relationship between a well-meaning journalist and a burnt-out scientist. This play is vital and I can't wait to see a full production very soon!

View all 5 recommendations
Billie F mid-30s. (Billie Peterson). A journalist who specializes in public health issues. Has recently returned to Minnesota after years living elsewhere. Determined. Fierce. Fearless (mostly). More and more is of the opinion that the greatest public health issue is climate change.

Jackson M 55-ish. (Jackson Brown. Yes, his name is Jackson Brown.) A charter boat operator and fishing guide (all season). An affable, serious, careful person. Also pretty handy with a snowmobile. Good with engines, tools, all that.

Turi M Late 50s/Early 60s. (Dr. Turi Virtanen) Originally from Helsinki. Now head of a department of environmental studies at a major Minnesota university, a limnologist and microbiologist, specializing in public health and the propagation of water-borne viral and bacterial diseases. Serious, acerbic, no-nonsense.

Taylor M Late 20s. (Taylor Bradshaw). Dr. Virtanen's research fellow. Interested in the impact of climate change on underwater currents. Also super interested in creating soundscapes and ambient music. A person on the verge of a great change.

Kris F Mid-40s. (Dr. Ingibjorg Kristjánsdóttir) A limnologist and biologist, specializing in the food systems in the great lakes. Also studying the impact of invasive species on native species in freshwater lakes. A peacemaker, but not a pushover.


NOTE. This play is set in Minnesota but that does not mean that you should make assumptions about race for any of these characters.