Under a Spreading Umbrella

In the fall of 2009, we brought Thunderbolt to Edgewood Park, drawing inspiration from its tunnel, river, and stone arches. The story of a real-life pirate became an invitation to make something together—and a defining moment for our young company.

A few months later, New Haven magazine captured that excitement in “Under a Spreading Umbrella.” Written by Brooks Appelbaum for the January 2010 issue, the feature introduces Ian and Rachel Shapiro Alderman and the collaborators who were helping A Broken Umbrella Theatre put down roots in New Haven.

At the heart of the story is the joy of creating as an ensemble. Recalling the Uninvited Guests troupe that preceded A Broken Umbrella, Rachel described a process where “everybody wrote, everybody improvised, and it was a fluid kind of creation.” That spirit found a home in Thunderbolt.

Westville historian Colin Caplan helped us explore the pirate’s story. Friends of Edgewood Park, the city’s Parks Department, and Hamden Hall’s theater community helped make the production possible. As Ian put it, “The idea inspired a community to come together, and it wasn’t just us.”

His reflection on the show still says so much about what made it special: “The creation of Thunderbolt really has solidified our voice.”

We’re delighted to share this glimpse of our beginnings: artists finding one another, a park opening up new possibilities, and a New Haven story becoming theater. Anthony DeCarlo’s portrait of Ian and Rachel captures the company’s playful spirit, umbrella and all.

Read the original January 2010 magazine feature below for more about the people and partnerships behind Thunderbolt.