Nevada Humanities

Nevada Humanities Chautauqua 2012

Saints and Sinners

Save the dates!

June 25-28, 2012

Many historical characters are popularly seen as either heroes or villains, saints or sinners. The truth is far more complex. In Greek tragedy, the antagonist may have many virtues, but it is a single fatal flaw that destroys him or her. Understanding the complexity and nuanced reality of a person’s life is far more interesting than the labels of good or evil we might apply.

Nevada Humanities Chautauqua Characters and Tentative Schedule 


Monday, June 25, 2012
An Evening of Young Chautauqua
 
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Charles Pace, moderator


Robert E. Lee — Ted Kachel
Benedict Arnold — Frank Mullen 


Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Doug Mishler, moderator
Mary Harris “Mother” Jones — Karen Vuranch


Eleanor Roosevelt — Susan Marie Frontczak
 
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Karen Vuranch, moderator
Malcolm X — Charles Pace
George Wallace — Doug Mishler
 

Nevada Humanities presents the 2012 Nevada Humanities Chautauqua festival, June 25 – 28, at the Robert Z. Hawkins Amphitheater at Bartley Ranch Regional Park, 6000 Bartley Ranch Road, Reno. Each night begins with a musical performance featuring a local band. Music starts at 6:00 p.m., and Chautauqua performances begin at 7:00 p.m. There are plenty of comfortable chairs as well as a lawn area for those who prefer to sit on a blanket. Some people bring picnics while others take advantage of the excellent food offered for sale by Men Wielding Fire. Parking is plentiful and free.

Nevada Humanities Chautauqua blends the insightful depth of historical research with the fun of theatrical entertainment. The Chautauqua format is simple: a performer, in the guise of a historical figure, such as Mark Twain or Thomas Jefferson, tells “first-hand” stories about important episodes in the character’s life. After the monologue, the audience and performer engage in a lively give and take. Finally, the performer emerges from character to respond to questions that could not be answered in character. Nevada Humanities Chautauqua was created by Nevada Humanities in Reno in 1992 and is one of the longest running Chautauqua festivals in the country.