How to Know the Wild Flowers: A Map

Music & Lyrics by Harrison Lewis

Devised Piece Created by Julie Marie Myatt & Jessica Thebus

A theatrical ritual of communal healing, this multi-disciplinary piece is inspired by the first field guide for flowers in America called How to Know the Wild Flowers by Mrs. William Starr Dana. (Frances Theodora Parsons) It was published in 1893, three years after the Russian flu pandemic of 1890 took the life of Frances’ husband. It was her long walks in the woods cataloging wildflowers that allowed Frances to heal her grief. Drawing from her life story, the rich poetic language of her guidebook, and contemporary stories and songs of nature, this is a buoyant, imaginative celebration of the beauty surrounding and sustaining us and a journey out of grief.

DEVELOPMENTAL STEPS:

2022 | Originally conceived by Jessica Thebus and Julie Marie Myatt

2o23 | Northwestern University Ongoing Workshops

2024 | Wirtz Center for the Performing Arts Production

2025 | Double Single Release