article by Jake Mendel

Philip Paradis is a playwright and actor known for his one-man shows that delve into the lives of influential American historical figures. His work, which includes biographical plays on Stephen Crane and Ralph Waldo Emerson, is designed to make complex intellectual figures and historical movements accessible to a broader audience. Paradis has a deep academic background, with a passion for American literature that began in graduate school. This is evident in his choice of subjects, particularly his work on the 19th-century writer, Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Paradis’s inspiration for his Emerson play, Ralph Waldo Emerson: The Sage of Concord, came after a performance of his one-man show about Stephen Crane. An audience member suggested he explore other great American writers, and he chose Emerson, an author whose work he had long admired. He was surprised to find no existing one-man shows about Emerson, prompting him to create his own. His goal was to revive Emerson’s legacy, which he felt was “gathering dust” in academic circles, and reintroduce him to a general audience in an engaging, entertaining, and relevant way.

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Ralph Waldo Emerson: The Sage of Concord

Ralph Waldo Emerson: The Sage of Concord is a one-man show written by Philip Paradis. The play is set in September 1871, placing the audience in the study of a 68-year-old Ralph Waldo Emerson in Concord, Massachusetts. The narrative unfolds as Emerson, interrupted by unexpected visitors, reflects on his life, his work, and the pivotal era in which he lived. This dramatic monologue is a blend of biographical detail and philosophical musings drawn directly from Emerson’s writings and life.

A Theatrical Portrait of an American Thinker

The play covers a wide range of topics, including Emerson’s views on reading and writing, education, religion, and politics. It also touches on his personal relationships with other prominent Transcendentalists, such as Henry David Thoreau and Bronson Alcott. Audiences are given an intimate look into his perspectives on historical events, including his anti-slavery stance and his views on Abraham Lincoln. By bringing these ideas to the stage, Paradis creates a living portrait of the man considered “The Sage of Concord.” His goal is for the audience to leave feeling inspired by Emerson’s optimism and to be curious enough to seek out his writings and learn more about him.

The Legacy of Ralph Waldo Emerson

Emerson was a central figure in the Transcendentalist movement of the 19th century, a philosophical and literary movement that championed individualism, self-reliance, and a deep connection to nature. Though internationally famous, his progressive views on theology and his outspoken abolitionism made him a controversial figure. He was a poet, essayist, and lecturer whose ideas have profoundly influenced modern thought.

Today, his ideas on religion, psychology, and society are considered mainstream, but in his time, they were radical. For example, some conservative Christians derisively called him “The Satan of the Lyceum” for his progressive theological views. Conversely, others saw him as a powerful force for reform. Emerson’s enduring legacy rests on his influential essays and his sage advice on how to lead a meaningful life. The play pays homage to this legacy by presenting a living, breathing character rather than a historical artifact.

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Event and Venue Details

Ralph Waldo Emerson: The Sage of Concord is performed at the American Theatre of Actors, a non-profit repertory theatre in New York City. The theatre, founded in 1976, focuses on developing new plays and supporting emerging artists. The partnership with Philip Paradis aligns with the theatre’s mission to produce original works that are both thought-provoking and engaging.

Event Information:

• What: Ralph Waldo Emerson: The Sage of Concord
• Where: American Theatre of Actors, 314 W. 54th St., New York City
• When: The performance mentioned in the provided text was scheduled for September 23 at 7:00 PM.