Partner: Mount Auburn Cemetery
Location: Mount Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge, MA
Dates: September 12, 2019 – September 22, 2019
The America Plays was the second series of site-specific short plays written by Patrick Gabridge for Mount Auburn Cemetery’s . These five plays present a journey through the American experience through the lens of Mount Auburn, highlighting the drama and philosophies of the men and women who struggled to find their place in this nation as the American identity was being formed. The plays highlight the voices of sculptors Edmonia Lewis and Martin Milmore; strong women like Harriot Kezia Hunt and Charlotte Cushman who sought new opportunities beyond the social norms of their time; and an immigrant story highlighting some of Mount Auburn’s Armenian “residents” and the community concentrated in Watertown. A moderated discussion with the playwright, director, actors or an expert on a person or topic explored in the plays followed each performance. Courtney O’Connor directed the plays.
The run of the show was sold out and garnered local coverage and reviews from radio, newspaper, and online media sources.