PARKS, a portrait of a young artist

June 9, 2020

Streaming Friday, June 12  | Check History Theatre Facebook page for a link.

PARKS creators Harrison David Rivers and Robin Hickman-Winfield of Soul TouchProductions will share their thoughts about a new work commissioned by History Theatre. It tells the story of a young black man's journey to becoming an artist as he endures poverty, racism, and violence during his lifetime. Gordon Parks brought a depth of understanding and humanity to his photographs, films and writing that resonates today. His book "A Choice of Weapons," served as an inspiration for this new work by playwright Harrison David Rivers. Robin Hickman-Winfield, Gordon's great niece, served as consultant to the project. 

Robin Hickman-Winfield, Executive Producer at Soul Touch Productions, is the niece of Gordon Parks and keeper of his legacy. She has served as consultant in the development of PARKS. She is the curator of the MMAA's new exhibition, “A Choice of Weapons, Honor and Dignity: The Visions of Gordon Parks and Jamel Shabazz,” which can be viewed online in a virtual museum experience.

Playwright Harrison David Rivers is the winner of the 2018 Relentless Award for his play the bandaged place (New York Stage & Film). His play A Crack in the Sky premiered at History Theatre in 2018.  He has received awards from the McKnight and Jerome Foundation among many others. Harrison was the 2016 Playwright-in-Residence at the Williamstown Theatre Festival. Harrison is an alum of the Public Theater's Emerging Writers' Group, Interstate 73, NAMT and The Lincoln Center Directors' Lab. He is a NYTW Usual Suspect and a member of the Playwrights' Center Board of Directors.

• Read an excerpt from "A Choice of Weapons" (Chapter Four): THE HARDER times became, the more determined I was to stay in school. The shelter from the cold was perhaps, a considerable motive, and I loathed the bone-chilling and lonely weekends. Read more
• Visit MMAA's exhibition: A Choice of Weapons Honor and Dignity - The visions of Gordon Parks and Jamel Shabazz. Click here.