In 1930s Paris, American novelists Edith Wharton and Louis Bromfield were unlikely friends. She was 34 years his senior, he was a Midwestern farmer, and both were vocal about their conflicting political views. Even so, the two expatriates formed an intimate bond that transcended differences. Both loved gardening, travel, writing, and renovating historic homes—fodder for years of correspondence that playwrights John Dennis Anderson and Karen Vuranch have adapted into A Cultivated Friendship, a play interweaving truth and fiction based on Wharton and Bromfield’s distinctive rapport. 

Read A Friendship Made in Gardens on The Mount Blog about Edith Wharton and Louis Bromfield’s relationship in letters!

John Dennis Anderson, a native Texan living on Cape Cod, is a performance studies scholar and Professor Emeritus in the Dept. of Communication Studies at Emerson College, where he taught for 27 years. He presents interactive solo performances as writers Henry James, William Faulkner, Washington Irving, Robert Frost, Ernest Hemingway, and others as well as Louis Bromfield. His plays Isherwood, A Cultivated Friendship, and Beston have been given readings on the Truro Playwright Collective reading series. He is a member of the board of the Open University of Wellfleet and a trustee of the Helltown Players.

Karen Vuranch has been a professional actor for over 30 years and has toured nationally and internationally with Coal Camp Memories, a storytelling drama written from oral histories. Karen also recreates historical figures including author Pearl Buck, labor organizer Mother Jones, humanitarian Clara Barton, Irish pirate Grace O’Malley, chef Julia Child, adventurer Gertrude Bell, pop star Cass “Mama” Elliot, pilot Jackie Cochran, and movie star Mae West as well as Edith Wharton. Karen has produced a DVD of Coal Camp Memories and two storytelling CDs. Karen taught Theatre at Concord University in West Virginia for the past 20 years until recently retiring. 

TICKETS:

$10 – Mount Members
$15 – General Admission
Free for Students

Interested in becoming a Member? Join today.

• This one-hour talk takes place in The Mount’s Stable Auditorium, an indoor, climate controlled venue adjacent to the parking lot. Limited accessible parking is available in front of the Stable.
• Seating for all programs at The Mount is first come, first served. If you have seating preferences, we recommend arriving fifteen minutes early.
• Accessible seating is available! Please phone us in advance to discuss arrangements: 413-551-5111; ext. #2

Questions? Email: programs@edithwharton.org

What accessibility accommodations does The Mount offer? The Mount is a Massachusetts Cultural Council UP designated organization welcoming participants of all disabilities. Please contact us by phone: 413-551-5100 or by email: info@edithwharton.org to discuss accommodations needed to participate fully in this event. Golf carts will be available to shuttle those with mobility concerns between the parking lot and event venue. View The Mount’s Health and Safety Guidelines.