Categories: LifestylePhilly

Eclectic Society Review – the Times They Are A-Changin'

The other evening, I saw the Eclectic Society at the Walnut Street Theatre.  Overall, this play is about a Fraternity who battles preserving traditions with the social changes of the era – civil rights, women’s movement, political activism, & all other turbulence of the 1960’s.

Director Ed Herendeen pointed out the play’s relevance to today, “I think the audience, like me, is going to be struck by how relevant this period play, set in 1963, speaks to us today in 2010″. Over 50 years later, we’re still seeing issues of racism, politics and class.  But what else?

I started contemplating the similarities of Eclectic Society & environmental movement.  Herendeen stresses “the play looks at how difficult it is for people to change” and asks the audience: “You’re changing us. What gives you the right?” While many people and companies are moving forward and making a difference, we’re still seeing much aversion to eco-‘change’ – legislation opponents, citizens not taking simple steps, Copenhagen climate talk failures, and more disappointments.  Even the simplest, small actions (like the Philly plastic bag ban proposal last year) are shot down.

Often times, change is good: but sometimes preserving the past is key – especially when wildlife, nature, and eco-systems are at stake.

Now I’ll ask you, readers: How are YOU responding to the constant environmental changes?  What do you think are steps in both positive and negative movements in this constant climate battle?

Interested in seeing Eclectic Society? Walnut Street Theatre, 825 Walnut St., Philadelphia. Running Jan. 27 – March 7: Tuesday-Saturday @ 8 PM, Sunday @ 7 PM, & matinees Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 2 PM  Tickets range $10-$60, premium tickets are $115. For tickets, visit www.walnutstreettheatre.org or call (215) 574-3550.

Posted by Julie

Julie Hancher

Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake.

Recent Posts

Ocean City among NJ coastal towns affected by sea-level rise

Millions have been pledged to fight flooding in this local favorite shore town. Is it…

21 hours ago

How Louis Bartholomew supports greening efforts in Queen Village

Read about how our latest Civic Catalyst advocates for and supports greening efforts in Queen…

2 days ago

Climate action updates, EPA deregulation, new gardens, & more

Check out the latest sustainability news: Office of Sustainability releases 2025 Climate Action Update. OSS…

1 week ago

A bird-a-thon without birdwatching? For blind birders, it’s all about sound

From Malvern to Massachusetts, the first blind birding event showed accessibility in action. Chester County…

1 week ago

How Fishtown neighbors organized for a pedestrian safety win

More than 500 residents advocated for change, leading to 40% longer crosswalk times on Girard…

1 week ago

Protecting community gardens, PA’s green energy package & more

Check out the latest sustainability news: City Council votes to protect one of the city’s…

2 weeks ago