A sometimes thorny ramble through politics, preservation and damming in the Sierras with conservation's first and most effective champion.
An Inspiring, Uplifting Address!
When he was in his fifties, John Muir's life took an unforeseen career path. The very shy and private mountaineer became a very public man, "required to make speeches and lead in society affairs."
"Watch, Pray and Fight" is a carefully researched reconstruction of such a speech from contemporary news sources and John Muir's own papers. Not a biography, or a paraphrase of animal stories, this is Muir in Muir's own words. Word for word.
Without explanation or exposition he launches into the sort of talk he might have made during the fight for Yosemite, Hetch-Hetchy and the national park idea. For seventy minutes the audience is treated to the poetry, wit, insight and passion that made John Muir the most effective voice for preservation in his own time and a remarkably pertinent voice in ours!
"...I was captivated, we were all captivated, we want Mark back next year"
- Jody Drake, Sharlot Hall Museum
"During his performance, Mr. Raddatz brought Muir to life - as a human being filled with passion, ideas and opinions. This was no cardboard character; this was a full-blooded creation. And it wasn't just 'preaching', there was plenty of humor!"
- Craig Dible, Chair, Sierra Club,
Sedona-Verde Valley Group
"... and in walks John Muir himself, a little shy at first and itchy in his stiff suit, but he warms up soon enough and carries the whole room away with him."
- Arizona Daily Sun
"...Muir is funny, passionate; Raddatz is riveting. Has captured the essence of Muir ... Highly recommended,...not to be missed."
- Lynn Crowe, Theatre Critic, Red Rock Review
Mark Raddatz is a professional actor who has appeared in television, movies and numerous Shakespeare festivals. His roles have included Claudius in Hamlet, Baptista in Taming of the Shrew, Henry Higgins in both Pymalion and My Fair Lady, and Arnolphe in Molliere's School for Wives.
Mark Raddatz
Walla Walla, WA
Phone: (509) 522-5240
e-mail: markkay@charter.net
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Living People Influenced by John Muir