In the days following Robert Redford’s death, many have reflected on his iconic career both in front of and behind the camera. He was also an environmental activist, a commitment he expressed through film.
An event scheduled before Redford’s Sept. 16 death featured a showing of The Way of the Rain: Hope for Earth – A Symphony for Our Planet on Sept. 27 at the Gorton Center. The approximate hour-long film showcases scenes of nature — water, the moon, the sun — set to music from a live 2022 Dallas Symphony Orchestra performance. Few words are spoken until the end, when Redford’s oration calls for the protection of Earth.
The Way of the Rain is an organization dedicated to preserving nature. Sibylle Szaggars Redford, Redford’s wife, serves as artistic director, founder, and president, while Redford himself was a vice president.
“It tells the artistic story of the formation of the universe,” said Bill Kurtis, longtime TV anchorman and Mettawa resident who serves on the organization’s advisory board and hosted the program. “It showcases the beauty of the masterpiece we call Earth while also highlighting the challenges, threats, and abuse this planet is enduring.”
Redford’s roughly eight-minute speech, recorded in 2022, closes the film: “Our beautiful planet Earth is suffering in distress, destroyed by ignorance, greed, and wastefulness,” he said.
In addition to the film, attendees viewed artwork by students from Lake Forest Country Day School. Seventh-grade students Isabella Taylor-McLaughlin and Xol Ioannis Oviedo Munoz shared their own nature-themed pieces inspired by the program. Afterward, students Myles Johnson and Visharad Satish discussed environmental concerns, reflecting The Way of the Rain’s mission to inspire young people to care for the planet through art.
Given the timing of the event, board members also acknowledged Redford’s connection to Lake Forest. The actor-director had previously filmed much of his 1980 movie Ordinary People in the area.
“He leaves a magnificent legacy, embodied through his artistry, leadership, storytelling, and steadfast advocacy for the environment,” Kurtis said. “His work has transformed our view of the natural world, reminding us that we must nurture it. Tonight, we honor him and his dedication to the arts and to caring for our one and only planet.”
Daniel I. Dorfman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.