Against the Odds: Rachel Carson and the Writing of Silent Spring

Loving Portrait of a Quiet Woman

This show is a carefully crafted portrait of a quiet, heroic woman we should all know better. The research and details draw you directly into a critical moment in her story. Pay attention to the brief film at the beginning. It is a jaw-dropper.

Incomplete portrait

As others have stated before me, the acting was good, Carson is compelling, but I would not say that I was at all moved by this show. In fact, the "advertisement" shown on the big screen before Rachel came on stage was far more moving and compelling, causing most of us in the audience to gasp and shake our heads in disgust. But the portrayal of Rachel Carson caused nothing like that that I could tell. I think that Katie Knutson is a good storyteller, but either she needed to breathe more personality into Ms. Carson, or Ms. Carson did not exude much personality. I did enjoy the Q and A at the end, particularly when Ms. Knutson discussed her own journey in learning about Rachel Carson. I am in my 60's and read Silent Spring in high school in the 70's and don't recall a time when I wasn't aware of Rachel Carson and her significance, so I found it interesting that Ms. Knutson and audience members did not know of her at all until recently. I, and my cohorts (I grew up on the east coast) still wonder at all of the bald eagles we see now and take delight in each one that flies by because when I was a child, eagles were almost wiped out by DDT and we never saw them. We credited Rachel Carson with helping to save the eagles.

Excellent Content But Short on Passion

I like edutainment and got the biographical background on the woman and the book that I was expecting. That said, the delivery was more subdued than expected and my attention wasn't as focused as it was for the other bio show I've seen (Gilda). Perhaps that's a true aspect of the character portrayed that I'm failing to appreciate fully. I recommend the show for the content, but don't expect to be riveted.

Learn about Chautauqua Storytelling

As others have noted, I would have prefered a bit more of a dramatic arc to Carson's story as Knutson brought it to stage. None-the-less, I enjoyed the hour immensely, especially the Q&A, both learning more about Carson and more about Chautauqua Storytelling where history is taught through storytelling. Now I have a word to describe some of my favorite Finge Shows over the years.

Provocative and Timely

This is an absolute must see!!! Katie Knutson captured the essence of Rachel Carson. Silent Spring is so much more than a classic, inspiring book. And this depiction of its urgent message is more timely than ever before. While calm and focused, it really packed a punch. Everyone should know about Rachel Carson. Her lesson is more poignant today than ever before.

Exquisitely Compelling

Fringe shows are often merely mindless fun, which is mostly a good thing and something I enjoy, but every season I look for one or two shows that exercise my brain as well as my funny bone. This year that brain exercising show is this show. Katie Knutson is a highly skilled storyteller and social activist who brings often overlooked author and brilliant environmentalist Rachel Carson back to life in an exquisite piece of theater. The show has no loud noise, no gut busting laughter, no sex or drugs but what it does have is the story of a brave woman who, while dying of breast cancer, opened the world's eyes to the peril of DDT and other forever chemicals. I loved every minute of the show.

An Undiminished Noise

I was compelled by the preview of this work to attend the full performance and I wasn't disappointed. There is a mastery of control within "Against the Odds" that makes it engaging because of its authenticity. Knutson's thorough research of her character is personified with the clear scripting of this work. She focuses on the work that leads to "Silent Spring" and avoids going into a false heightened drama. The show is compelling and provides an introduction to Carson and her significant work.

An important courage story that deserves 2b told

Well I could not allow myself to miss seeing a good environmental show in Augsburg Studio… The story of what led up to Silent Spring is an important story to be remembered. As someone who works with environmental activists of many stripes, the recurring themes of having an idea rejected because it is “too controversial”, or risking the wrath of the reactionary industrial dinosaurs is all too real. Amidst the familiar chorus of voices calling for “pragmatism”, there is the light of conscience that know when everything dear is being threatened, staying silent is a sin- that is what the show illustrates. Having worked in an environment where my manager would put on an astronaut looking space suit to spray pesticides way after hours when no one else was around... and then coming down with a treatable form of cancer- it hits personal for me and others. The most magical part about the show was when the actress impersonated Rachael Carson at the end. It was like she was there today being interviewed right there (though in a time warp to 1962). That takes real talent. One thing to add is that much is still relevant today right here in the city. I participated in a mini protest about some illegal use of pesticides in Minneapolis parks. Having gotten the signatures to bring a resolution on this to the floor of a political convention, I have seen the debate between those who say we need some limited pesticide use for special cases and giving natural organic alternative landscape treatments a chance and who has swayed members of the Park Board on this.

DDT & Earthworms

I will never see or smell earthworms again without thinking about this important story about a woman ahead of her times and unfortunately ignored too often. Earthworms pop out everywhere as do the long term effects of DDT. As a person who sustained Traumatic Brain Injuries and now suffers from sensory overload, the pre-show film about how DDT was blatantly used in many forms without care really affect me. I am also grateful the Katie suggest a storm with minimal lighting effects, which made coming to this show possible for people with various neurological disabilities and sensitivities. I am familiar with Katie as a storyteller of shorter works. It was a delight to see a full show of hers. I am delighted she got a last minute spot in this year's fringe and I hope we see more of her. I also recognized so many of the names of local and distant storytellers who were "listeners" and helped with the development of this show. The storytelling network of friends is amazing. Thanks for stepping in after a cancelation.

Entertaining and educational

Rachel Carson and "Silent Spring" are significant elements of what is America. Despite having read the book many years ago I did not know anything about the author. This show is well-written, entertaining and educational. We enjoyed it very much. I would have liked to have heard more about push-back she received from the chemical industry and government, but the show was good nonetheless.

Compelling and inspirational

Rachel Carson is a name everyone should know but many do not. At a time when DDT was being hailed as a miracle chemical, she sounded the alarm about its dangers to the environment and in particular its deadly effects on wildlife and birds. But even if you've read her book _Silent Spring_, you probably don't know anything about the struggles of the woman who researched and wrote it. I certainly didn't. Katie Knutson brings Carson to life in this polished one-woman show. Although Carson was notoriously introverted and guarded her privacy, Knutson reveals the passion behind her reserved exterior. The simple set and costuming are period perfect. The show is in the Chautauqua format: first we watch Carson in conversation with an (unseen) visitor; then we have an opportunity to ask Carson questions (which Knutson fields brilliantly); and finally Knutson steps out of character to engage with the audience around her own experiences getting to know and embodying Carson. If you care about the environment, women's history, storytelling, and/or what does (and doesn't) make it into our collective American memory, you should see this show!