Peddler of Dreams (Play adapted from poet Vachel Lindsay's work)
April 2, 2016 |
The poet Vachel Lindsay tramped across America more than a century ago, trading his poems for food and earning the nickname of “the Prairie Troubadour.” On April 2, the Vachel Lindsay Home State Historic Site presents an original play about his travels.
“Peddler of Dreams” is adapted from Lindsay’s own work. He took no money with him – just his poetry and a one-page pamphlet called “The Gospel of Beauty.” The play is a vintage photograph of a distant America and Lindsay’s passionate efforts to make the nation more beautiful and democratic.
The play is performed by its author, Steve Duchrow, who calls Lindsay “the father of the Beat poets” and “an American visionary.”
This will be the first presentation of “Peddler of Dreams” in Springfield. The free performance takes place Saturday, April 2, at 2 p.m.
Nicholas Vachel Lindsay was born Nov. 10, 1879. He made three famous walking tours of the United States, covering more than 2,800 miles.
He was catapulted to fame with the 1913 publication of his poem, “General William Booth Enters Into Heaven.” His “Congo” and “Abraham Lincoln Walks at Midnight” are well-known by generations of readers.
The Vachel Lindsay Home State Historic Site, located at 603 South Fifth Street in Springfield, was built about 1850. Anne Todd Smith, Abraham Lincoln’s sister-in-law, lived there with her husband and threw a gala reception for Lincoln the night before he left for the White House.
Lindsay was born there in 1879 and died there in 1931.
The home is open 2-4:30 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and by appointment by calling (217) 782-6776. For more information, visit www.VachelLindsay.org.
The site is operated by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. IHPA protects the state’s historic resources, which contribute to education, culture and the economy. IHPA sites include ancient burial mounds, forts and buildings erected by settlers, and homes connected to famous Illinoisans.
|
Website:
www.vachellindsay.org |
| |
| Location Information |
|
Vachel Lindsay Home State Historic Site |
603 S Fifth St
Springfield, IL 62701 |
| Website:
www.vachellindsay.org |
| |
| Contact Information |
|
Justin Blandford |
| Email:
justin.blandford@illinois.gov |
| Phone:
217-782-6776 |
|