Parks | History Theatre

Parks:
A Portrait Of A Young Artist

By Harrison David Rivers
in collaboration with Robin P. Hickman-Winfield
Directed by Talvin Wilks

March 19–April 10, 2022

World Premiere Drama

1926. Fort Scott, Kansas. Gordon Parks, age 14, left home for St. Paul after the death of his mother. He lived with his sister, until her husband kicked him out of the house and into the streets. While struggling to survive, his mother’s words would echo in his head, “Make a good man of yourself, ‘cause you have a choice. You always have a choice.” Inspired by Parks’s book, A Choice of Weapons, Harrison takes us into the world of young Gordon, who would choose a camera to fight back hatred and discrimination.  His passion as an artist would lead him to become a major figure in the American cultural landscape.

Featuring Kevin Brown, Jr. as Gordon Parks & James A. Williams as Pigeon Man

Reviews are out!

Learn more about PARKS

The Cast

Afterthoughts are back: March 20, 27, April 3, 10

Get closer to the story on stage with these lively post-show talkback after every Sunday matinee. Free for ticketed patrons. Topics are subject to change.

March 20

  • Special guests: Robin Hickman-Winfield, Parks collaborator and grand niece of Gordon Parks; Talvin Wilks, director; cast of Parks

March 27

  • Special guests: Robin Hickman-Winfield, Parks collaborator and grand niece of Gordon Parks; Harrison David Rivers, playwright; Seitu Jones, scenic designer; cast of Parks

April 3

  • Special guests: Robin Hickman-Winfield, Parks collaborator and grand niece of Gordon Parks; Harrison David Rivers, playwright; cast of Parks

April 10

  • Special guests: Robin Hickman-Winfield, Parks collaborator and grand niece of Gordon Parks; cast of Parks

NEW! A Streaming Option 

Stream "Parks" from the comfort of your home April 4-10, 2022.  

  • Pricing: Single tickets: $25/individual; $40/household BUY TICKETS
  • Group rates: $125/groups of 10-30; $175/groups of 31+. Contact Craig Cerrato, Group Sales, 651-292-4320 or email groups@historytheatre.com  Note: Prices are per stream and subject to change.

Power, Purpose, Possibilities and Peace Exhibit

Inspired by the life and work of Gordon Parks, this exhibit presents visions written by the student scholars of the Parks Legacy classes at Gordon Park High School in St. Paul. 

  • Click Here to view the exhibit online.
  • Exhibit photographer and designer: Antonio Richardson.
  • The exhibit is also on view in lobby of History Theatre during PARKS. 

COVID-19 Safety Protocols 

Dates and times of History Theatre productions are subject to change in the event of a resurgence of COVID-19 in accordance with state and local restrictions. For latest details regarding our return to live performances at History Theatre, please visit this webpage