Sneak peek: ‘Cinema in the Park’  

Rachel Benton

Last month, I had the opportunity to attend Rebecca and Alexander Howard (RAH) Community Engagement’s “Read the Park” event (read more here). The event was vibrant, full of light, love, education and empowerment. 

That is why I am so excited that RAH Community Engagement has more events planned, including a showing of “The Wiz” happening on Saturday, Aug. 15, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Rebecca Howard Park.

This free outdoor screening of “The Wiz” is an opportunity to connect with the community and enjoy music, trivia, door prizes and a movie-themed costume contest.

Guests are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs, favorite movie snacks or picnic dinner, blankets, family and friends. Free popcorn and water provided! Click here to learn more.  

One of the event organizers, Stephanie Cholmondeley, described how “this is a great opportunity to celebrate Black stories, culture and community through the power of film. To come together, reflect, learn, dance, and celebrate the stories that shape us.”   

Cholmondeley provided more empowering insight in our interview. Enjoy our discussion about "Cinema in the Park."

Benton: There is something to be said about those timeless traditions like going to the drive-in. I love that RAH is recreating some of those traditions through what you are doing in the park. 

Cholmondeley: “I hope so, I really do. It’s such a wonderful experience to look forward to going and experiencing the dusk, sunset, and the feeling of being under the blanket of stars. You are amongst family or friends that watch you and make sure you’re safe, and you can stare at that screen or cuddle up and fall asleep.” 

Benton: It is so cool to have that experience together, and it’s so different compared to going to a normal movie theater where you sit in your assigned seats, in the dark, with no opportunities to interact with one another. It’s very communal. I’m curious, why did your team choose “The Wiz” for this event? 

Cholmondeley: “We were looking for a fun film that would be intergenerational, musical, magical, an experience where everybody can feel a sense of wonder and imagination. ‘The Wiz’ is a reflection (of the era it came out), and when you hear the music and see the dances, it sparks memories of times and experiences.  

“I remember distinctly when Michael Jackson and Diana Ross came on television, and how it was a callout to the whole community, ‘There are black people on television.’ It’s that same experience when you watch a movie with a black cast and characters. It gives you a way to see yourself. 

“Seeing movies that don’t provide a representation of you, you still can think about the ways you connect with the film or how you see yourself in that light, but (we should not) always have to do that.”  

Benton: What message do you hope audiences leave with? 

Cholmondeley: “There is a scene when Diana Ross’ Dorothy and Michael Jackson’s Scarecrow run into the Tin Man. The Tin Man requests that they oil him up so that he can move and join their mission. I think that speaks to the nurturing ability to assist, that we all need each other. There is a recognition of everybody’s potential, both in themselves and the way they help others shine.”  

Benton: Do you think Olympia or Thurston County could be considered an Emerald City? What do you think it would take to get there?  

Cholmondeley: “No, we are not there yet. People have come here to find a better way of life, build something that gives you the American Dream. We need to preserve stories from the past so we can understand what our (predecessors) faced and give people a road map of what it takes to become or to create. If you don’t tell the future generations what you lived through or what you escaped from, there are going to be missing pieces (both in their own lives and in our society). 

“When I think of an Emerald City, I should not have to consider my safety when I walk out the door. I should not have to consider where I shop, where I want to have dinner or relax and have fun. When I think of an Emerald City, I think of the ability to not only enjoy the best, but be the best, and surround myself with the best. No one would have to demonstrate or prove that they are worthy or exceptional. There would be no competition or fighting to be seen. There would always be enough of everything for everybody.” 

Be part of making Olympia an Emerald City by joining in community, celebrating each other, and attending events like “Cinema in the Park.” I’ll see you there!  

Rachel is a writer, arts advocate, performing arts enthusiast, and passionate about our beloved Thurston County. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in History and Political Science and minor in Music. You can enjoy more of Rachel's writings by visiting her website. All inquiries for Rachel can be submitted here.