The Garden of Alla (formerly Places) – a multimedia solo show tells the story of Alla Nazimova, probably the most famous star you’ve never heard of. From fleeing Tsarist Russia to Broadway stardom to the highest-paid silent film star, Nazimova was the first female director, producer, and writer in Hollywood, proclaiming her strength when women were relegated to silence. Defying the moral and artistic codes of her time she declared her lesbianism and her all women’s “sewing circle”. Rising to great heights, she was finally shunned by a judgmental history. Her artistic legacy and iconoclastic story of freedom and nonconformity lay largely forgotten. Nazimova raises her voice once more to share her journey as a trailblazer who loved America “as only an immigrant can”. Her story shows us we can make beautiful things in dark times, and holds a light to lead the way in celebration of diversity with the knowledge that our differences make us beautiful and our struggles can be overcome.