Thoreau interpreter relies on ‘expertise, passion’ — and a flute to boot

When portraying Henry David Thoreau at Walden Pond, historical interpreter Brent Ranalli is ready for every type of question. 

Depending on the topic, he might answer as 19th-century Thoreau living at the edge of town, or he might respond as himself, a Boxborough resident who for years has closely studied one of Acton’s most famous residents.

He’s been asked what it’s like to live alone in a wood cabin and about the meaning of specific passages in the 1854 book “Walden.” (He’s also been asked what kind of car the naturalist and philosopher drove. The first modern automobile was built after the author’s 1862 death.)

“I got into Thoreau’s studies as a scholar, reading and writing and speaking about his life and times, [and] there came a point when I figured I’d acquired so much knowledge that it would be a shame not to share it as a performer as well,” Ranalli told The Bridge. “And I like to tell people that I can pull off the look of Thoreau. I couldn’t do Louisa May Alcott or Ralph Waldo Emerson, but Thoreau I can do.”

 Embodying the author 

This year, after nearly a decade of performing as the Transcendentalist, Ranalli took over as the official Thoreau interpreter for the Walden Pond State Reservation. He portrays the author at the replica cabin by the water a few times a year, such as for Thoreau’s birthday. 

Ranalli, who works full time as an environmental policy specialist, already had the outfit ready; he had occasionally filled in for Richard Smith, the previous Walden Pond Thoreau who retired last year, and had played the part for Acton students’ benefit.

“It’s amazing how much he embodies the spirit of Thoreau,” said Allison Forseter, elementary curriculum coordinator for the Acton Public Schools.

Years in the making

Four years ago, Forseter was looking for someone who could appear as Thoreau when second graders take their traditional trip to the pond. The students come across “Henry” sitting on a bench. He answers their questions and asks them to imagine why the natural surroundings would have been inspiring. 

“It’s been a really great addition to the program to have someone with such deep knowledge, expertise, and passion about Thoreau,” Forseter said.

Jacqui Kluft, who works at Walden for the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, said the combination of Ranalli’s previous experience as a Thoreau interpreter and his knowledge and resemblance to the author made him a “no-brainer” for the role — plus he plays the flute, Thoreau’s favorite instrument. 

Ranalli says a common thread among Acton residents who talk with him when he’s in character is their deep knowledge and affection for the town’s most renowned authors, including Thoreau. 

The essayist’s iconic status in Acton is warranted, he says — “I think you can’t get enough of Thoreau” — but he wishes more famed local writers had interpreters representing them, too. 

“The reputations of the various Acton authors have waxed and waned over time,” Ranalli says. “There was a long period when Emerson was the great Acton writer that everybody knew about, and Thoreau and others were in his shadow.”

Thoreau’s popularity is prevalent when Ranalli is at the pond and far-flung visitors want to take a moment to step back in time. In July, a woman from China “brought flowers to Henry” after learning that the interpreter would be at his post for Thoreau’s birthday, Ranalli said.

“There are people who have a meaningful parasocial relationship with Thoreau,” Ranalli says. “‘Walden’ is the kind of book that touches a lot of people. A lot of people do take inspiration from it. I have the honor of interacting with people who have things that they’d like to say to Henry.”

For Ranalli, Thoreau’s writings and adventures over his 45-year life culminate in a central lesson: Live as you want, not how society or your peers expect you to live. 

“Part of the message of Walden is about discerning what calling you have, and finding the courage to pursue that calling,” he says.

Some people may interpret that message to spend more time outdoors and perhaps build a cabin in the woods, but Ranalli feels a different pull. 

“For someone like Richard or myself to share what we know about such an amazing author by performing, rather than just writing or speaking, that’s something that I find fulfilling,” he says. “It’s really satisfying to have spent an afternoon by the pond interacting with strangers who find so much meaning in having a conversation with Henry David Thoreau.”