Write Out Loud Presents Three Programs Celebrating Our Nation’s History
On the momentous occasion of the Semiquincentennial (250 Years) of our country, Write Out Loud is thrilled to join the celebration, bringing three programs to the San Diego region that highlight the history of our nation and the importance of American values: freedom, equality, individualism, humanity and community.
Artistic Director, Veronica Murphy, shared “We are honored to have this opportunity to bring people’s voices to life from America’s past. Whether they be Founding Fathers, favorite authors, or ordinary citizens who’ve made extraordinary sacrifices to uphold our nation through 250 years, we are reminded that we all play a role in this ‘great experiment’ called democracy. Our nation deserves to be celebrated.”
We The People – Life and Liberty
“Reflections of America on her 250th Anniversary” takes place at 7 p.m., Monday, June 8 at the Dottie Studio Theatre in Liberty Station, located at 2880 Roosevelt Road, Building 178 San Diego, CA 92106.
Join us for an inspiring evening of stories, letters, poetry and music that illuminate both the familiar and the unknown heroes of the United States of America, illustrating the struggles, advantages and important events surrounding our country’s fight for liberty.
A reading of SDSU military members’ letters home during WWII takes place at 2 p.m., Sunday,
June 14(Flag Day) at Scripps Ranch Theatre on the campus of Alliant International University. 9783 Avenue of Nations, San Diego, CA 92131.
An afternoon of remembrance, features letters home from SDSU student military members’ written during WWII. These deeply personal letters, rich with hope, humor and resilience, will be brought to life on stage by Write Out Loud and co-produced with Scripps Ranch Theatre. Developed in partnership with San Diego State University, Dear Doc was written by Jonnie Wilson as a tribute to the authors of the 5,000 WWII letters housed in SDSU Library’s Special Collections and University Archives. Inspired by Lisa Shapiro’s acclaimed “No Forgotten Fronts: From Classrooms to Combat,” the program honors the legacy of Dr. Lauren C. Post, a World War I veteran and SDSU geography professor, who received the letters from several thousand former San Diego students who had gone off to war, and then published them in a monthly Aztec News Letter that connected the students to each other and to the campus.
American Literary Heroes is part of the Celebrating America 250: Arts Projects Honoring the National Garden of American Heroes and is presented now through September 30, 2026.Funded by the NEA, American Literary Heroesis a unique program highlighting four iconic American writers who have left a lasting impact on the social consciousness of the United States, as well as across the globe. As one of only 50 organizations in the nation to be awarded a National Endowment for the Arts – Celebrating America 250 grant, Write Out Loud is currently bringing Emily Dickinson, Henry David Thoreau, Mark Twain and Walt Whitman to life in libraries, classrooms, senior residences and other community venues. Each presentation reminds us of the importance of our humanity, our personal responsibility and respect for our world and each other. Performances will be presented through September 2026.
American Literary Heroes Performances Feature:
Emily Dickinson
“A Still Volcanic Life” is written and performed by Rhianna Basore. Emily Dickinson’s innovative use of form and syntax made her a pioneer in modernist literature.
Henry David Thoreau
“Ripples from Walden Pond,” written by Richard Platt, performed by Steve Smith shares the story of
Henry David Thoreau who was a philosopher and political ally for human rights and respect for nature and the environment.
Mark Twain
“Of Sound Heart and Deformed Conscience” is written by Rachael VanWormer and performed by Paul Maley. Mark Twain was a prolific writer and humorist, who has been called “the father of American literature.”
Walt Whitman
“Direct from the Afterlife” is writtenand performed by Todd Blakesley. Walt Whitman’s focus on the common man and his break from poetic structures caused him to be known as “the father of free verse.”
American Literary Heroes is also sponsored by Fiesta de Reyes. Emily Dickinson is co-produced by Miz. Understood Media. For booking and performance information for American Literary Heroes visit https://writeoutloudsd.com/american-literary-heroes/
Write Out Loudserves over 30,000 people annually with their core programs. To learn more, visit https://writeoutloudsd.com/
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Category: Authors, Books, Education, Entertainment, Events, Historical, Local News, Nonprofit
