the water
In 2021, ArtsGreensboro and the North Carolina Arts Council funded a trip to Florida for me to further the dramaturgical development of my play, the water. During this trip, I traveled to St.Augustine, Florida to visit Frank B. Butler beach (East and West), the remnants of the Monson Motel, and Excelsior High School, which now serves as a history museum. In South Florida, I visited the historic Hampton House and Virginia Key Beach Park.
In the play, the characters Lourdes and Louise find themselves on a St. Augustine beach, integrating an outdoor space in what has been historically known as one of the most racist cities in America. Our youngest characters, Teddy and Moses, arrive at Hampton House with their parents, somewhat oblivious to the turmoil around them. Meanwhile Zipporah and Lance, not far from Teddy and Moses, honeymoon at the segregated Virginia Key Beach in one of their waterfront cabanas.
It’s summer 1964, let these photos take you there.
Frank B. Butler Beach Park East
(The White Beach)
Frank B. Butler Park West
(The Black Beach)
St. Augustine
(MONSON MOTEL, EXCELSIOR HIGH SCHOOL, LINCOLNVILLE)
Hampton House
Virginia Key Beach Park
