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.

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: PARKS by Harrison David Rivers
    “

    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.

    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: PARKS by Harrison David Rivers
    “

    Excellent memory play abut a major figure in the civil rights movement.

    Excellent memory play abut a major figure in the civil rights movement.

    ”
  • National New Play Network: PARKS by Harrison David Rivers
    “

    PARKS by Harrison David Rivers was a finalist for NNPN's 2020 National Showcase of New Plays.

    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:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Asian, Pacific Islander, or Asian American,
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American,
      Indigenous, First Nation, or Native American,
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic,
      Middle Eastern, North African, or Arab American,
      Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander,
      South Asian or South Asian American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Pigeon Man
    50-70s
    African American/Black
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Asian, Pacific Islander, or Asian American,
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American,
      Indigenous, First Nation, or Native American,
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic,
      Middle Eastern, North African, or Arab American,
      Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander,
      South Asian or South Asian American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Ensemble 1
    Plays Boy 1, Clifton, Frank, George and Salesperson
    20-30s
    African American/Black
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Asian, Pacific Islander, or Asian American,
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American,
      Indigenous, First Nation, or Native American,
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic,
      Middle Eastern, North African, or Arab American,
      Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander,
      South Asian or South Asian American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Ensemble 2
    Plays Boy 2, Eddie, Woodford and Man 1
    20-30s
    African American/Black
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Asian, Pacific Islander, or Asian American,
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American,
      Indigenous, First Nation, or Native American,
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic,
      Middle Eastern, North African, or Arab American,
      Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander,
      South Asian or South Asian American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Ensemble 3
    Plays Jackson, Tee, Trolley Conductor and Man 2
    30-50s
    African American/Black
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Asian, Pacific Islander, or Asian American,
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American,
      Indigenous, First Nation, or Native American,
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic,
      Middle Eastern, North African, or Arab American,
      Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander,
      South Asian or South Asian American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Ensemble 4
    Plays Sarah, Mrs. Berry and Woman
    30-50s
    African American/Black
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Asian, Pacific Islander, or Asian American,
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American,
      Indigenous, First Nation, or Native American,
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic,
      Middle Eastern, North African, or Arab American,
      Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander,
      South Asian or South Asian American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Ensemble 5
    Plays Maggie Lee, Sally and Clerk
    20-30s
    African American/Black
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Asian, Pacific Islander, or Asian American,
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American,
      Indigenous, First Nation, or Native American,
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic,
      Middle Eastern, North African, or Arab American,
      Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander,
      South Asian or South Asian American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Ensemble 6
    Plays Cop, Manager, Mr. Conners, Customer and Mugger
    30-60s
    White
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male

Development History

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