Eric Pape and Civic Theatre of Cape Ann
Presented by Leslie Bartlett
Friday, April 19th – 6 pm
Monday, April 22nd – 2 pm
$25 per attendee.
Hammond Castle Museum Member benefits apply.
Step into the vibrant world of outdoor summer theatre on Cape Ann with our upcoming lecture, a perfect complement to the expanded art exhibit featuring the multitalented Eric Pape. Pape, the visionary behind the 1909 Outdoor Pageant at Stage Fort Park, not only set the stage but became a model for future productions in the region. His collaboration and close friendship with Percy MacKaye infused the pageant with artistic intention and grandeur, leaving a lasting impact on the cultural landscape of Gloucester, Rockport, and Lanesville. Join us as local historian, Leslie Bartlett delves into the rich history and artistic legacy of Eric Pape, exploring how his innovative approach continues to inspire outdoor performances to this day. After the program, attendees may explore the Gertrude Cawein Eric Pape fine art exhibit and self-guided tours of the Museum.
About Leslie Bartlett:
Leslie Bartlett is originally from Epsom, NH. He grew up in the house his father built; his childhood was spent roaming over the 300 acres of a 400-year-old farm. A Greek and Latin major at Amherst College, he left this intellectual pursuit after 2 years and spent his adult life (30+ years) on stage at the Cabot Theatre, Beverly MA. with ‘Le Grand David and His Own Spectacular Magic Company.’ He performed 9 times at the White House with the Magic Troupe.
He has lived in Cape Ann for over 50 years. A lifetime member of the Sandy Bay Historical Society and Museums in Rockport he has offered numerous talks on Cape Ann History. He has lectured for 25 years on ‘The Little Fish Shack Float Which Charmed Chicago- the 1933 American Legion Float.’ he keeps this astonishing story alive.
His fine art photography of granite quarries on Cape Ann was featured in the main gallery of the Cape Ann Museum -from October 2007 through January 2008. From Cape Ann, he traveled to Barre, VT in 2008 and created a master project based on the lives of the granite sculptors from the 19th century through the 20th century. “Give Me Your Hands – the Legacy of the Barre Stone Sculptors and Their Stone” received primary featured installation at Michigan State University Law School in 2011. He has shown his works at the Vermont State House, and the Vermont Granite Museum, and was the guest photographer at SOHO Photo in NY.
His research on the lives of the stone workers throughout NE forms the basis for his forthcoming series titled “BREAK Stone, Water, Heart, the Culture of Cape Ann Granite.” In 2015, he installed “EKKLESIA,” a 9-foot by 30-foot image from a quarry wall in Rockport. For the past 7 years the original print of “EKKLESIA.” has traveled throughout NE. Dogtown and Dogtown’s Artifacts have occupied much of his thinking over the past 5 years, an interest which culminated in his packed Great Hall lecture at Hammond Castle Museum in 2023.
“Eric Pape and the Civic Theatre of Cape Ann,” will focus on the 1909 Gloucester Pageant, produced and directed by Eric Pape and his inspiration for subsequent outdoor theatre on Cape Ann.
