Harvey's Oral History: Flora the Elephant

Michael J. Anderson (featured) and Flora in Endangered Species, Martha Clarke, 1990. Photo: Martha Swope

Surely Harvey Lichtenstein has many a tale about the numerous leading ladies who have trod BAM's boards. But probably few have been as voluptuous, wrinkled, or grey as Flora.

Harvey tells the story of housing Flora, a nine-year-old African elephant, in the parking lot across the street from the BAM Majestic (now Harvey) Theater. Flora appeared in Endangered Species, directed by Martha Clarke, which opened the 1990 Next Wave Festival.

Harvey-EndangeredSpecies-1 by BAMorg


The complete Harvey Lichtenstein Oral History, featuring John Rockwell interviewing Harvey, is available at the BAM Hamm Archives.


Flora remains BAM's most fascinating leading pachyderm who performed in Paramount Pictures' Big Top Pee Wee and Walt Disney's Baby. She's also the subject of the documentary film One Lucky Elephant.

Check her out in her new home at the Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee.