PARKS by Harrison David Rivers

Raised amidst the violent racism of the 1920’s and 30’s, Gordon Parks chose to fight back with a camera instead of a gun. Inspired by the life of the iconic photographer, PARKS, tells the story of a young black man’s journey to becoming an artist. The trials and tribulations; the triumphs. The pain, the glory and the love.
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PARKS

Recommended by

  • Lainie Vansant:
    29 Aug. 2022
    “ Rivers uses a variety of theatrical tools to great effect in this fascinating play. He layers together music, imagery, and overall theatre magic to tell a true story that has often been overlooked. ”
  • Shaun Leisher:
    24 Feb. 2022
    “ Excellent memory play abut a major figure in the civil rights movement. ”
  • National New Play Network:
    9 Mar. 2021
    “ PARKS by Harrison David Rivers was a finalist for NNPN's 2020 National Showcase of New Plays. ”
View all 5 recommendations

Character Information

  • Parks
    20s,
    African American / Black
    ,
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens, 20s, 30s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any actor of color
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Pigeon Man
    50-70s,
    African American / Black
    ,
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      40s, 50s, 60s, 70s+
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any actor of color
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Ensemble 1
    20-30s,
    African American / Black
    ,
    Male
    Plays Boy 1, Clifton, Frank, George and Salesperson
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s, 40s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any actor of color
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Ensemble 2
    20-30s,
    African American / Black
    ,
    Male
    Plays Boy 2, Eddie, Woodford and Man 1
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s, 40s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any actor of color
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Ensemble 3
    30-50s,
    African American / Black
    ,
    Male
    Plays Jackson, Tee, Trolley Conductor and Man 2
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      30s, 40s, 50s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any actor of color
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Ensemble 4
    30-50s,
    African American / Black
    ,
    Female
    Plays Sarah, Mrs. Berry and Woman
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      30s, 40s, 50s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any actor of color
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • Ensemble 5
    20-30s,
    African American / Black
    ,
    Female
    Plays Maggie Lee, Sally and Clerk
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any actor of color
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • Ensemble 6
    30-60s,
    White
    ,
    Male
    Plays Cop, Manager, Mr. Conners, Customer and Mugger
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      30s, 40s, 50s, 60s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      White
    • Gender: 
      Male

Development History

  • Workshop
    ,
    History Theatre
    ,
    2020
  • Commission
    ,
    History Theatre
    ,
    2019