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"It was an absolute privilege to host the premiere performance of Albert Schweitzer: Memoirs from Africa at the Aspen Chapel on July 6, 2009, the precise date of Schweitzer’s first keynote speech in Aspen acknowledging the Goethe Bicentennial.  It was a spirited evening and performance with the sunset light streaming through the Chapel’s golden clerestory and multi-colored stained glass windows contributing to a life-like setting of Schweitzer in an evening in Africa.  The set was real and humble.  Tom Dolan became a real and humble Albert Schweitzer.  The evening was especially appreciated by 30 Lutheran ministers and spouses, three former mayors of Aspen, the grand-daughter of Franz Berko, the designated photographer in 1949, Mirte, and the two daughters of Walter and Elizabeth Paepcke, Paula and Nina.  Two hundred people attended this inaugural remembrance of Albert Schweitzer and vowed that this remembrance must regularly continue in Aspen to remind us all in Aspen that our contemporary Aspen was rejuvenated with Albert Schweitzer’s message of the all encompassing reverence for life.  And this should exist as a reminder to everyone everywhere that reverence for life is the essence of life."
 
Thank you Thurston Moore and Tom Dolan,
 
Rev. Dr. Gregg R. Anderson
Chaplain
Aspen Chapel
Aspen, Colorado 81611
www.aspenchapel.org

Writing on this show began December 27, 2008, and was completed January 1, 2009. The script was a gift to Rhena Schweitzer Miller on her 90th birthday, January 14. The day after she received it she called the author and thanked him for "writing my father's memoirs." She said she looked forward to seeing it produced. She passed away on February 22, 2009.

The drama takes place in Dr. Schweitzer's room at his African hospital, December, 1954. Dr. Schweitzer's writing ability is clearly demonstrated as you hear him reminisce about his legendary life. We are introduced to the man who received the Nobel Peace Prize, who lectured in universities and gave organ concerts in the great cathedrals of Europe, who had three earned Doctorate degrees, who gave up outstanding careers and traveled 4,000 miles to build a jungle hospital to dedicate his life in serving those in need.

Tom Dolan's remarkable portrayal gives the audience the feeling they are there with Dr. Schweitzer, as he talks about his work and reflects on his childhood. We are there with him when he looks out the window, listening to the rain and when he sits quietly listening to his beloved music of Bach.