Violet Oakley Unveiled
Literature Department at Parkway Central Library
Philadelphia’s Violet Oakley—also known as Villa Nova’s "Red Rose Girl"—makes international art history in 1902 as the first female to be awarded a commission to decorate a public building: Pennsylvania's brand new capitol in Harrisburg. In Violet Oakley Unveiled, the artist reveals her personal trials and triumphs hidden in 43 murals. By 1927, Violet Oakley became the first woman (but not the last) to have a voice in Pennsylvania’s three branches of government, if only with her paintbrush.
Pennsylvania playwright Cindy Rock Dlugolecki crafted Violet Oakley Unveiled, a one-woman play in which actress Stephanie Via portrays not only Violet but also the people who love and challenge her ideas and ideals. Pennsylvania composer Chris Purcell created a haunting score that possesses Violet’s artistic, spiritual, and political passion. Under the direction of Heather Jannetta, Via brings Violet Oakley and the Harrisburg murals to Philadelphia using photographs with permission and courtesy of Brian Hunt and the Pennsylvania Capitol Preservation Committee. Bethany Frymark completes the all-female team as stage manager and slide tech. Cindy Rock Dlugolecki and Chris Purcell welcome this invitation by Parkway Central Library to share Violet Oakley’s story of struggle and success, making Philadelphia proud.
This event is free and will take place in the Montgomery Auditorium at 2:00 PM. There is general seating and we recommend arriving a little early to get the best seats.
Literature Department
Pepper Hall (Room 207)
215-686-5402
Parkway Central Library
1901 Vine Street (between 19th and 20th Streets on the Parkway)
Philadelphia, PA 19103
1-833-TALK FLP (825-5357)