wanamaker's pursuit study guide

Wanamaker’s Pursuit

a study and resource guide

Written By Rogelio Martinez, Directed by Terrence J. NoleN

by Tara Demmy

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Section One: 2-15The Play

Section Two: 16-24Context

Section Three: 25-31Our Production

Photo by Mark Garvin

Rogelio Martinezplaywright biography

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Rogelio Martinez is an award winning playwright whose work hasbeen developed and produced by some of the largest regional theaters across the country. Plays include When Tang Met Laika (Sloan Grant/Denver Center Theatre Co.), All Eyes and Ears (INTAR @ Theater Row), Fizz (NEA/ TCG Grant/Besch Solinger Productions at the Ohio Theatre, New Theater, Miami), and Arrivals and Departures (Summer Play Festival). Martinez’s play I Regret She’s Made of Sugar won the prestigious Princess Grace Award and will be published by Broadway Play Publishing later this year. He has received commissions from the Mark Taper Forum, the Atlan-tic Theater Company, Arden Theatre Company, and South Coast Repertory to list a few. Martinez was born in Cuba and arrived in this country in 1980 during the Mariel boatlift.

“Writing a play is a way of giving shape to your past” ~Rogelio Martinez

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Characters and Setting

WILBUR EDWIN HENRY as Paul Poiret, Photo by Mark Garvin

CATHARINE K. SLUSAR as Gertrude Stein, DAVID BARDEEN as Leo Stein, Photo by Mark Gravin


CharactersNATHAN WANAMAKER, 29

PAUL POIRET, 32, a fashion designerDENISE POIRET, his wife

GERTRUDE STEIN, 37LEO STEIN, 39, her brother

LARUE, a french painterPICASSO, twenties FRANZ REICHELTMUSEUM GUARD

SettingParis, 1911

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ACT 1. Scene 1. The play opens to Nathan reading aloud a letter he has written to his wife, Josephine. He tells her of his experiences in Paris thus far and his hope to start doing business. The lights shift to introduce the Stein’s atelier, its walls covered in modern art. Denise Poiret (French designer Paul Poiret’s wife and muse), Larue (a French painter) Leo Stein, and Ger-trude Stein are all having a witty argument about how much one should chew their food. Nathan enters the atelier as LaRue is showing the Stein’s his painting that they had commis-sioned. Larue, not pleased with Gertrude’s apathetic response, takes the painting away to revise. Leo thinks Nathan is there to collect money. Denise and Nathan discuss America and his father’s department store and Leo returns with his checkbook as they are viewing Ce-zanne’s “Five Apples.” Nathan explains that he Nathan Wanamaker, of the Philadelphia de-partment store, that he is not there to buy art but to ask their help to find Paul Poiret. He hopes to take the latest fashion back to the states. Nathan discovers that Denise is Poiret’s wife and that the Stein’s know him well. Larue enters to announce that the Mona Lisa has been stolen. Gertrude and Nathan discuss her self-portrait by Picasso, Gertrude’s book The Making of Americans, as well as his reasons for coming to Paris. The scene concludes with Nathan reading another letter to Josephine, telling her about Cezanne’s “Five Apples,” a painting that appears not finished.

Act I. Scene 2 Poiret’s Shop Denise is half draped with fabric and Nathan nervously tries to avert his eyes. Denise explains to Nathan the difficulty always being on display and being someone’s muse. Poiret enters and continues to work on the garment draped on Denise. Poiret calls Nathan out on his lack of fashion knowledge and declares that America is a country that lacks culture (play-fully assuming that an American therefore has stolen the Mona Lisa). Poiret advises Nathan to find a designer that is less daring and Nathan tries to convince him otherwise. Poiret’s fencing instructor enters and Nathan engages Poiret in match. Nathan blocks with ease and Poiret agrees to show him a piece of his collection. Denise enters wearing harem pants and Nathan refuses the idea, not knowing how his father would react to such a radical statement. The scene concludes with Nathan reciting a letter to his father, stating that he has met designers and had not yet decided on a date to return.

Act I. Scene 3 The Louvre Gertrude sits near the empty Mona Lisa frame with her feet soaking in a tub with Leo, both waiting for Nathan to arrive. Nathan arrives and Gertrude philosophizes about journeys

SYNOPSIS

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and the promise of the future, she also describes a dream about Picasso. They discuss Picasso’s work and Gertrude tries to get Nathan to commission him, using Denise’s affection for Picasso to convince him further, he agrees. Gertrude tries to understand Nathan’s attraction to Denise, while Nathan tells Gertrude that he has already experienced love, with his wife, Josephine, who is dead. Nathan reads a letter again, to Josephine, telling her about the painting he has commis-sioned, questioning his sanity; can he love more than once? How can he accept his freedom?

Act I. Scene 4 Poiret’s Shop Nathan and Poiret fence and discuss the pants shown to Nathan by Denise. Poiret com-pares his wife to the Mona Lisa, the fact that the Mona Lisa was commissioned by her husband and never paid for. He confides in Nathan that he fears Denise is having an affair. Poiret says he will help Nathan bring back his latest fashions if he will spy on Denise. Nathan agrees to attend the The Thousand and Second Night party and keep his eye on Poiret’s wife.

Act I. Scene 5 A Café and the Eiffel Tower Nathan walks into a surprise birthday party with all of his Parisian friends at a café. He leaves the café and decides to visit the top of the Eiffel tower. Denise is already on the platform, they both laugh and drink wine. Denise explains her unhappiness with her husband, feeling as though no one sees her, only the clothing. An Austrian man, named Franz Reichelt, approaches them in a large coat. He tells them that he intends to fly off the Eiffel tower, to make history. He jumps and Nathan closes the act with a message to Josie, realizing that he needs to live fully.

Act II. Scene 1 Nathan is reciting a letter to Josie, recounting memories, explaining that the constant let-ters need to perhaps cease in order for him to move on. Poiret’s Thousand and Second Night party is in full swing. LaRue and Gertrude bicker about his commissioned painting. Gertrude is more concerned with the many letters from publish-ers in America refusing her work. Leo and Nathan enter; LaRue tries to get Nathan to commis-sion him. Poiret encourages them all to join the party and discusses Gertrude’s purchasing habits with Leo. Leo finally tells Larue that he does not like his company. Nathan asks Leo about De-nise’s involvement with Picasso. Denise escapes from the large gold cage Poiret locked her in and talks with Nathan. They flirt and talk about the party, the night on the Eiffel tower, the Wanamaker department store. She confronts him about his deceased wife; he tells her that he hopes she will fall in love with him. Nathan recites a letter to his father asking for more time.

Act II. Scene 2 Poiret’s Shop There are dresses lined up that Poiret is applying finishing touches to while Nathan talks

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SYNOPSIS

about the party. Poiret questions Nathan, asking if he spoke to Denise or saw her leaving the party with anyone. Poiret eventually reveals that Denise is missing and is afraid she is off with another man. Poiret shows Nathan his new collection, Nathan is impressed, but Poiret demands he find Denise before he will continue discussing his designs.

Act II. Scene 3 Picasso’s Studio A man and a woman have a heated argument in French, Leo and Gertrude listen. Nathan enters and they all hear repetitive banging; Picasso is with his mistress. Nathan wants to open the door to discover if the woman is Denise; Gertrude stops him. Leo discusses the many artistic paths he attempted while Nathan is drawn to Picasso’s painting titled “Demoiselles d’Avignon.” The Steins leave and Picasso enters to find Nathan admiring his work. Picasso hands him a bag of stolen art to get rid of, Nathan is confused at this proposition. Picasso explains that he stole Iberian statues from the Louvre and needs to get rid of them so he is not accused of stealing the Mona Lisa. Nathan explains that he is the man who commissioned him. Denise emerges from the bathroom. Nathan tells her that Picasso does not love her, that he is willing to take her back to Philadelphia with him. She accuses him of lying, and asks him if he really loves her. Nathan grapples with his feelings and the loss of his wife, trying to convince Denise that her husband misses her.

Act II. Scene 4 The Stein’s Atelier A few paintings are missing off the wall, a sign that something is changing. Gertrude calls Nathan a traitor for having Picasso arrested and tells him the Mona Lisa has been discovered and Picasso set free. Gertrude tells Nathan that her collection is being broken up as Leo is moving. Poiret enters and asks the Stein’s if they have heard from his wife, he is met with silence. Na-than asks him again about his collection, Poiret refuses to discuss anything until his wife is found. Nathan intrigues him with a branding plan, to have his name on his designs in America. Poiret refuses, feeling as though he is being used just for his name. Nathan says goodbye to Gertrude and recites a letter to his father, announcing his return to America.

Act II. Scene 5 The Louvre Nathan sits looking at the Mona Lisa. He talks to the guard about the mystery of the painting, the gaurd mentions Vincenzo’s (a fellow worker and the painting’s thief) fixation with the woman’s smile. Nathan asks the guard to give Denise the handkerchief when she arrives. Nathan recites his last letter to Josie, stating that he has left Paris behind, though the memory of Denise remains.

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SYNOPSIS

GENEVIÈVE PERRIER as Denise Poiret, Photo by Mark GarvinLEARN FRENCH

Translations of French Phrases In The PLAY

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Denise: Jamais - NeverIls sont completement fou- They are completely crazy. Mon Dieu- My GodTrés bien- Very GoodMa chere femme- My dear/darling womanNe vous déplacez pas- Don’t MoveCessez de taquiner - Stop teasing him.Charmeuse- charmingBon jour - Thank you.

Larue: Monsieur- Mister/SirS’il vous plait- PleaseTravail et du travail - Work and more WorkOui? - Yes?bete insensible - Insensitive Idiot

Fencing Instructor:Il est temps, Monsieur - It’s time, sir.

Poiret:Naturellement- NaturallyParfait!- PerfectC’est inadmissable! - It’s untolerable/unacceptable

Party:Joyeux Anniversaire! - Happy Birthday!

Franz: Et vous la press? - And you’re the press?

GENEVIÈVE PERRIER as Denise Poiret, Photo by Mark Garvin

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Where: Picasso’s Studio at the Laundry Boat. The door to the hallway is slightly ajar. The stu-dio is crammed with canvases (unfinished), sketches, sculptures, dirty rags, and brushes.

GERTRUDE and LEO are there.OFFSTAGE we can hear a fight between a man and awoman. The man has a strong accent.

LEARN FRENCHTranslations of Act II Scene 3

MANTu veux les chaussures? Prends-les. Prends toutes tes chaussures!

WOMANArrte!

MANTu veux reprendre ta libert. Prends-la.

WOMANJe t’aime. Je suis venue vers toiÑ

MANEt maintenant, tu n’es pas sure.

WOMANTu tais fch contre moi.

MANAh. Et tu penses que cela rendrait les choses plus faciles.

WOMANTu dis n’importe quoi.

MANPrends tes chaussures.

Leo walks up to the doorwhich is slightly ajar.

He is hit by a pair of shoes.

MANYou want shoes? Take them. Take all your shoes!

WOMANDon’t!!!

MANYou want your freedom to go back. Have it.

WOMANI love you. I came to you.

MANAnd now you’re not sure.

WOMANYou were angry with me.

MANAh.So that will make it better.

WOMANYou make no sense.

MANTake your shoes.

Leo walks up to the doorwhich is slightly ajar.

He is hit by a pair of shoes.

CATHARINE K. SLUSAR as Gertrude Stein, DAVID BARDEEN as Leo Stein, SHAWN FAGAN as LaRue, GENEVIÈVE PERRIER as Denise Poiret, Photo by Mark Gravin 9

WOMANQu’est que tu fait!?

MANPutain de merde!

Gertrude pretends nothingis happening, but Leo seemsconcerned. He takes astep toward the argumentonly to by hit by severalmore pairs of shoes.

WOMANTu ne comprends pas combien je t’aime.

MANJe t’aime.

WOMANAlors, pourquoi me traites-tu de cette facon. Je voulais juste faire quelque chose

MANJ’ etas a la campagne et tu tais avec un autre homme.

WOMANNon. Il n’y a qu’un homme pour moi. Toi. Ecoute moi, s’il te plait. Je t’aime.

WOMANWhat are you doing!?

MANWhore!

Gertrude pretends nothingis happening, but Leo seemsconcerned. He takes astep toward the argumentonly to by hit by severalmore pairs of shoes.

WOMANYou don’t understand just how much I love you.

MANI love you.

WOMANThen why do you treat me this way. I just wanted to do something.

MANI was away in the country and you were with another man.

WOMANNo. There’s only one man. You. Listen please. I love you.

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PASSPORT TO PARISParis sites Mentioned in the Play

Les Halles*Known as “the belly of Paris”*used to be a huge open-air market in central paris (up until 1971, when it was moved out to the suburbs)Source: http://uk.reuters.com/article

The Luxembourg Gardens*Located at the left bank of Paris, it surrounds Luxembourg Palace, built between 1615-1627 for Marie de Medicis. The uses of the palace have varied, it served as a prison during the revolution and now houses the Senate. *The Gardens have beautiful lawns and flowers, ponds, and statues. People of all ages enjoy these relaxing and luxurious gardens. Source: www.paris.org

The Seine*River that runs through Paris, used as a major port for trade. Historically Paris has been attacked and occupied via this waterway. Source: http://www.discoverfrance.net

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PASSPORT TO PARISParis sites Mentioned in the Play

Montmartre *Located in the North of Paris, it is a tall hill (130 meters high), “the last village in the big city of Paris” *Known for the Basilica of the Sacré Cœur (a white domed 19th century basilica) and for having many nightclubs.*Saint Pierre de Montmartre is a 12th century church on the hill, the supposed location of the founding of the Jesuit order. *Many artists had studios or worked around the community of Montmartre such as Salvador Dalí, Amedeo Modigliani, Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso and Vincent van Gogh. Source: www.parisdigest.com

Belleville *means “beautiful town”*northern neighborhood of Paris, located around Montmartre *Originally a French working class neighborhood, present day it is a multi-ethnic neigh-borhood, one of Paris’ two “chinatowns.”Source: www.paris.org

The Louvre *One of the largest art museums in the world, representing artifacts from almost every civilization on earth*Most popular pieces include the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory*The building was originally a fortress in the 13th century, then a royal residence. It was not a museum until the reign of Francois the I. *Napoleon contributed to the museum in the 19th century, as he would bring back items from his military campaigns. Source: paris.org

The lines from the play below are actual Gertrude Stein quotes, Were you able to pick any out during the production?

“America is my country. Paris is my home-town.”

“Once an angry man dragged his father along the ground through his own orchard. “Stop!” cried the groaning old man at last, “Stop! I did not drag my fa-ther beyond this tree.”

“Do you know because I tell you so, or do you know, do you know.”

“There is a difference between 29 and 30. When you’re 29 it can feel like the begin-ning of everything. When you are 30 it can be the end of everything.”

“Argument is to me the air I breathe. Given any proposition, I cannot help believing the other side and defending it.”

“A ROSE IS A ROSE IS A ROSE”

CATHARINE K. SLUSAR as Gertrude Stein, Photo by Mark Gravin

Source: Poets.org

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Gertrude Stein’s Quote Corner

1) What determines a place’s identity? 2) How does the character of Denise connect with the mystery associated with the Mona Lisa?3) What are some relationships between business and art brought up by the play? 4) Have you ever felt like you had to go somewhere else in order to find meaning in the place you left? How do you interpret the character of Nathan, a new busi-nessman being pushed in many different directions?5) Why does Nathan continue to write letters to Josephine? How does this struc-ture help to contextualize the action of the play?

Nathan: “I need to go up to the ledge, look down, and not be afraid of what comes next.”

Poiret: “It’s an American for sure. A country lacking culture, a past, it must go out and acquire it.”


JÜRGEN HOOPER as Nathan Wanamaker, Photo by Mark Garvin

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Discussion Questions

GENEVIÈVE PERRIER as Denise Poiret, JÜRGEN HOOPER as Nathan Wanamaker, Photo by Mark Garvin

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Is that what america is like?~WORKSHOP~

Circle all the areas you have lived/visited in your life on the map below. What place do you consider “home”? Why? How do your experiences in each of these places culminate in how you define American culture?

Denise: “I do love putting on a costume. It’s like walking into a strange city just after sun-set. You don’t have a map. You don’t know anyone and, more importantly, no one knows you. You can start over. Is that what America is like?”

The Cast of Wanamaker’s Pursuit visited the Wanamaker’s Department Store (Now Macy’s) on 13th and Mar-ket for a special tour.

They also visited the Philadelphia Art Museum to see some of Paul Poiret’s original dresses.

Photos by Stephanie Cook

Cast Field Trips

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WANAMAKER’S DEPARTMENT STORE

Nathan: “Yes. Before we open my grandfather, father, and myself we take this walk through the main concourse. All the young girls are ready at the counters and all the elevator boys are there on the first floor standing next to the elevators with the doors open ready to take customers up............We take an elevator to the third floor and from there we can see it happen. It’s time. The doormen open every single door simultaneously. And everyone who walks in -- whether they know it or not -- it’s likely that they don’t -- is there for a need...a need that we somehow meet.”

Even though it is now Macy’s, Wanamaker’s is a site that many Philadelphians admire and visit regularly. It is known for its famous Holiday Light Show, and while very unique to Philly, it started a revolution in department store commerce in the United States and abroad.

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1874 – Wanamaker Moves His Operation to 13th and Market Streets for the First Time, Opening “The New Establishment”, Selling Clothing, Fabrics, and Linens*Sold both men and women’s clothing as well as fabrics and linens.1877 – The First Wanamaker Department Store Opens, Known as “The Grand Depot” 1878 – Wanamaker Opens a China Department1880 – Wanamaker Becomes First Store to Install Thomas Edison’s Newly Invented Electric Lamps for Interior Lighting; Creates Departments for Sporting Goods, Refrigerators, Jewelry, and Carpets1881 – Wanamaker Creates Departments for Antique Fur-niture, Gas Stoves, Art, Beds, and Eyeglasses1882 – Wanamaker Installs a Soda Fountain and Begins Selling Books

1901 – Wanamaker Announces His Plan To Re-place The Grand Depot, and Construct The Build-ing We Know Today, at 13th and Market Streets.*Took a decade to design and construct the new building

December 30, 1911 – U.S. President William Howard Taft Gives Address Dedication of the New John Wanamaker Store

John WanamakerSource: xroads.virginia.edu

The Wanamaker’s EagleSource: frontpagenews.us

Wanamaker’s TimeLiNE courtesy of Historic Landmarks of Philadelphia by Roger W. Moss.

1861 – As the Civil War Breaks Out, John Wanamaker Opens His First Store – Known as Oak Hall – at 6th and Market Streets, near Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell*A Men’s Clothing Store where he was a pioneer in advertising (buying full page spreads in magazines and newspapers!)*He had both advanced machines for producing cloth-ing fast, as well as in house tailors to customize cloth-ing to individuals. *Coined the slogan ”Full Guarantee, One Price, Cash Payments, Cash Returns” He revolutionized the business by “guaranteeing customer satisfaction; offering no-haggle pricing – you didn’t have to negoti-ate; giving the customer the option to undo the trans-action and refund his/her money, for any reason.”

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world.”~John Wanamaker, at President Taft Address Dedication

“This notable edifice of ours takes its place as a central commanding figure in Philadelphia city life…, but more than this, it is a national build-ing, specifically prepared to install the home of the new kind of store that originated here, em-bodying the new American mercantile system of retail commerce, which has spread over the

1922 – The Death of John Wanamaker; His Family Continues the Business1978 – The John Wanamaker Store Becomes A National Historic Landmark; the Wa-namaker Family Sells the Chain To Other Department Stores1995 – The Wanamaker Name Vanishes From All Stores; And Becomes Hecht’s, Temporarily1997 – Wanamakers Becomes Lord & Taylor

1998 - The Year After the Wanamakers Name Vanishes From 13th and Market Streets, The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) Places A Pennsylvania Historical Marker, Outside the John Wanamaker Store

August 2006 – Wanamakers Becomes Macy’s, Which It Remains Today

Wanamaker’s AdSource: joseflebovicgallery.com

Source: enjoyingphiladelphia.com

Wanamaker’s TimeLiNE courtesy of Historic Landmarks of Philadelphia by Roger W. Moss.

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Picasso’s “Les Dem-oiselles d’Avignon”

The Stein’s Art Collection included work from Picasso, Matisse, Bonard, Cezanne, Daumier, Degas, Delacroix, Gauguin, Manet, Nadelman, Toulouse-Lautrec, Vallotton, and Renoir.

Picasso’s “Young Girl with Basket of Flowers”

In the early 1900s, Leo and Gertrude’s home (whom they also shared with Gertrude’s companion Alice Toklas) was a “mecca for the modern-minded,” attracting poets, painters, intellectuals, English aris-tocrats, students, and other visiters aiming to see the Steins’ avant-garde collection. Their living and dining room walls were covered in paintings and sketches (many that are now famous!).

Source: www.nytimes.com/books/98/05/03 19

Gertrude and Leo’s Collection

Source: Four Americans in Paris, Museum of Modern Art, New York

Cezanne’s “Five Apples”

Matisse’s “Promenade among the Olive Trees”

Renoir’s “Two Bathers”

“I always wanted to be historical” - Gertrude Stein

Source: www.nytimes.com/books/98/05/03

“On a typical Saturday Evening, 60 years ago, one would have found Gertrude Stein at her post in the atelier, garbed in brown corduroy, sitting in a high-backed Renaissance chair, her legs dangling, next to the big cast-iron stove that heated the chilly room. A few feet away, on could hear Leo expounding to a group of visitors, his views on modern art.”

In 1912, Leo and Gertrude parted and split their painting collection, Gertrude grabbing most of the Picassos and Leo taking the Renoirs and Cezannes.

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Gertrude and Leo’s Collection



GERTRUDE:“At first he had me in profile but slowly on the canvas he turned me toward him. That was the moment we recognized one another’s genius.”

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Historical Spotlight:Gertrude Stein

Brief Biography: *Born in Allegheny, PA in 1874, moving to Vienna then Paris at the age of 3. *Studied Psychology at Radcliffe College and actu-ally attended medical school for four years at Johns Hopkins University but did not recieve any formal degree.*In 1903 she returned to Paris with her companion Alice Toklas where she connected with new artists and writers who impacted her later writing.*She was known for her radical poetry style and indulgence in the abstract. *Her most important works include:The Making of Americans (1925)How to Write (1931)The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas (1933)Stanzas in Meditation and Other Poems (1929-33)

Relationship with Picasso:*This painting signifies Stein’s and Picasso’s link to eachother, as non-parisians creating art in Paris. *Picasso was always drawn to poets, but his connection to Gertrude Stein was unique, he was at-tracted to her strong presence and suggested to paint her portrait before even knowing her well.

Gertrude had many of his works in her collection, encourged his career, and gave him great publicity at her and Leo’s Saturday salons. Her response to the painting was the following: “For me, it is I, and it is the only reproduc-tion of me which is always I, for me.” *Stein’s body remained the same duri-ing their sittings but Picasso changed the head placement at least three times before completion.

Source: Poets.org, metmuseum.org

Source: metmuseum.org


“I am an Artist, not a dressmaker” -Paul Poiret

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Historical Spotlight:Paul Poiret and Denise Poiret

The Thousand and Second Night Party

Source: artnet.com

Source: littleaugury.blogspot.com

Source: littleaugury.blogspot.com

*Known as “Poiret the Magnificient,” named for his pivotal role in women’s fashion in the early 1900s, breaking away from the corset and the petticoat, popularizing the bra, and freeing women of the strict dress codes of the 19th cen-tury. He also created his own perfume and threw fancy parties.*His fashion is best described as having “vibrant color combinations” and extensive draping. He created harem pants, the chemise ,culottes, dropped waists, and the lampshade skirt. *Not only did he invent new clothing designs but he paved the way for a new presentation and branding of fashion, one that incorporated art and interior design.

*Famous costume party thrown in 1911 by Paul and Denise Poiret. *The party was to promote his own work and new collections.*Denise most likely “wore the heavily beaded green gauze lampshade-shaped tunic and pleated green silk gauze pantaloons,” currently on display at the Met.

*Dedicated patron to the arts, admiring the work of Picasso, Matisse, Brancusi, and Modigliani. *Designed for remarkable European women (actress-es, dancers) including Isadora Duncan. *Denise Poiret was his muse, model and artistic direc-tor of his company. *Denise and Paul Poiret divorced in 1928.

*Austrian tailor *Thought he could create a suit that could double as a parachute and decided to test it by jumping off the Eiffel tower.*He gained access to the tower by telling au-thorities that he would use a dummy.*He fell for just about 5 seconds before hit-ting the ground, the fall was captured on film in 1912 and is available for viewing on YouTube.com

SHAWN FAGAN as Franz Reichelt, Photo by Mark Garvin

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Historical Spotlight:FRANZ REICHELT

Source: junkworthknowing.com/disastersSource: Unmuseum.org

FRANZ: “Instructions for flying: Let the heart leap then the body will follow.”

Suspects:When they realized the Mona Lisa had been stolen, the French sealed the borders, inspecting every ship and train leaving the country. They dusted the frame left in the stairwell and found a finger-print (fingerprint identification still being new) and they called an expert. Unfortunately, it was a left fingerprint and only right fingerprints were kept on file at that time. Police investigated everyone that could have been connected to the crime, they even posted rewards outside the Louvre (with many magazines and newspapers contributing to the

reward). Money was even offered to fortune tellers, who could pos-sibly see into the future, they all assumed it had been destroyed. With public attention, rumors began to spread around Paris about who had stolen the piece, from a rich American (like JP Morgan) to a suspicious German plot.

Finally Found:It was found on December 10, 1913 when a man approached a an-tique dealer in Florence by the name of Alfredo Geri. This man was named Vincenzo Perugia and he claimed to have the Mona Lisa. Geri brought the director of the Uffizi Gallery with him to Perugia’s hotel room. They requested to view the painting alone, and quickly brought it back to the Louvre who confirmed its authenticity. Peru-gia was arrested at his hotel and the Mona Lisa was safely returned to France.

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The Mona Lisa...STOLEN?Finding it missing:Louis Beroud, an artist known for copying famous paintings for tourists, discovered the missing painting on Tuesday morning (Au-gust 22, 1911). When he alerted the guard, he assumed that it had just been removed to be photographed (a new concept at the time!) They soon discovered it was not in the photography room, it had indeed been stolen.

The Crime:The police suspected that the perpetrator hid over night in the museum on Sunday (after arriving as a visitor). The next day was Monday (Louvre is closed for maintenance) so the thief was able to slip into maintence garb and take the painting out via the ser-vice stairs (stripping it of its frame, later found in the stairway). He exited into the courtyard, and even though the courtyard door was locked, he was able to hide the painting (it’s only 21 X 30 inches!), and convince the Louvre plumber to open the door with his pliers, and slip by the courtyard gaurds.

Source: pbs.com

Scenic DesignerJAMES KRONZER

Costume DesignerRICHARD ST. CLAIR

Sound DesignerJORGE COUSINEAU

Stage ManagerSTEPHANIE COOK

DramaturgEDWARD SOBEL

Assistant DirectorDAN PLEHAL

Lighting DesignerF. MITCHELL DANA

DirectorTerrence J. Nolen

CATHARINE K. SLUSAR as Gertrude Stein, DAVID BAR-DEEN as Leo Stein, SHAWN FAGAN as LaRue, Photo by Mark Gravin


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Scenic Design-set model

The Steins’

The Louvre


Wanamaker’s Pursuit

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Scenic Design-set model

Poiret’s Shop

The Eiffel Tower

Picasso’s Apartment

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Costume Design-Sketches and Research Photos



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CATHARINE K. SLUSAR as Gertrude Stein, Photo by Mark Gravin

JÜRGEN HOOPER as Nathan Wanamaker, Photo by Mark Garvin

29Source: Photos compiled for Inspiration by Costume Designer Richard St. Clair


DAVID BARDEEN as Leo Stein, Photo by Mark Garvin



Paul Poiret


SHAWN FAGAN as LaRue, Photo by Mark Garvin

SHAWN FAGAN as Picasso, Photo by Mark Garvin

Pablo Picasso

Pablo Picasso


wanamaker's pursuit study guide

Documents

french painter leo stein

wifegertrude stein

mark garvincatharine

fashion designerdenise

poirets shop denise

gertrude stein

mark gravinwilbur edwin

steins atelier