Thespian Park
Located
minutes from the heart of downtown in one of Houston’s oldest neighborhoods
– the historic First Ward – Theater LaB Houston presents its most exciting
and dynamic production to date – Thespian
Park.
The
major undertaking of the creation of Thespian
Park has been completed. Located across the street from Theater LaB, this
6500 square foot parcel of property was purchased by the theater to create a
unique landscape corner with murals to enhance the revitalization and
redevelopment of the First Ward. This is Phase One of the goal to build a
theater complex on the corners of Alamo and Colorado. The park provides a green
space for theater patrons to visit before and during intermissions of Theater
LaB productions.
From
the Romans and Greeks to the modern Broadway stage, internationally renowned
Rodolphe Zarka has designed and brought to life on mural panels an epic history
of theater through the ages. With his sweeping and bold brush strokes that will
delight the eye, unique and eclectic placement of symbols that will challenge
the mind, Zarka’s mural panels at Thespian
Park will stand as a lasting curtain call to the achievements of theater. An
artistic journey that includes Kabuki, African American, French, Italian, Latin
American and more of the ages of theatrical accomplishments, this visual park is
a welcome addition to Houston’s dramatic arts scene for its citizens and
visitors. Further visual pleasure is provided by the whimsical color gardens
that flow beneath the murals.
About the Garden and Landscaping
The
lush and beautifully detailed landscaping has been generously underwritten by
Kathleen Gay Peeples in loving memory of her mother, Kathleen Osborne Callahan.
The whimsical landscaping includes many native plants that bloom throughout the
year.
2100 Colorado @ Alamo Street
click on photos below for larger view
before installation
The support poles for the mural being installed in thespian Park
Thespian Park before the installation of the art mural
THESPIAN
PARK
Plants
|
Climbing
Roses: |
Bulbine
– Bubine Frutescens |
Candelabra This is
primarily a perennial garden but some annuals are included. The
garden changes with the seasons. |
Click here to go to photos of the individual mural panels and biography of the artist
THESPIAN PARK TODAY
WITH
MURAL PANELS INSTALLED
THE OPENING DEDICATION APRIL 2003
Theater
LaB Houston thanks the following that generously supported
our
vision to establish Thespian Park
Fiesta
Mart, inc., Neopal Corporation,
Duke Energy, Halliburton Industries,
Friends of Ron Davidson,
Betty Ruth & A.O. Susholtz,
and Kathleen Gay Peeples
and in part a gift from the City’s Initiative Program
through the
Cultural Arts Council of Houston/Harris County.
