Adams: High Plains Chautauqua explores those who pushed boundaries
July 26, 2013
While High Plains Chautauqua has developed a large group of loyal followers over the years, I'm always surprised at the number of people who don't know about this blend of education and entertainment that comes to Greeley each August. Some might call it an example of Greeley Unexpected. As we celebrate the unexpected pleasures found in our community, Chautauqua week is surely one of them.
The 14th annual High Plains Chautauqua program that runs from Aug. 6-10 reflects our theme Exploring Boundaries, featuring nine individuals who pushed through barriers in geography, industry, race, gender and culture. Opening night we bring you Thomas Jefferson, who shattered conventional wisdom with his beliefs in self-governance by the common man. As president, Jefferson radically expanded our national geographic boundaries with the Louisiana Purchase.
Later in the week, you'll meet educator and entrepreneur Booker T. Washington, Frankenstein author Mary Shelley, industrialist turned philanthropist Andrew Carnegie and many more characters from history who have expanded our thinking and shaped our national character.
Our program will end with a woman whose success as an aviator challenged beliefs of her time about the role of a proper young lady. Amelia Earhart was a pioneer on the social frontier, pursuing interests and activities previously closed to women. Earhart still fascinates us today following her mysterious disappearance on a round-the-world flight in 1937.
Each evening these characters are portrayed by professional scholars who perform under the big tent on the Aims Community College campus, reminiscent of the traveling tent shows that were once an integral part of small town Americana. Most of these scholars are nationally and internationally prominent in their portrayals. In the Chautauqua tradition, audiences participate in question-and-answer sessions with both the character and the scholar following each performance.
Prior to the performances Wednesday through Saturday we offer local, live musical entertainment and meals for purchase from local food vendors.
Equally educational and entertaining as the evening performances is a palette of daytime programs and workshops. The professional scholars and other local experts present sessions related to the characters and festival theme. Daytime programs this year range from a philanthropy exercise for children to a discussion of Jefferson's ideas on religion and slavery, for adults and older children.
One of the more rewarding aspects of High Plains Chautauqua is Young Chautauqua, a Colorado Humanities program for student scholars. Students, with support from teachers and community volunteers, spend months reading, researching and presenting characters of their choice to different audiences. This year some 2,000 scholars from Greeley-Evans School District 6 participated in 20 school programs. Many of these students perform during Chautauqua week.
The students are undeniably enriched by Young Chautauqua. As one participant said, "I learned about people, cause and effect, culture and perspectives. It was an incredible experience." For some, the program has sparked a career interest in the arts. This year former Young Chautauquan Amelia (Newport) Wagner will appear on the evening stage as anthropologist Margaret Mead. Amelia is a graduate of Greeley Central and the University of Denver.
All programs are free and open to the public, thanks to the generous donations of local businesses and individuals. You will find detailed information about Chautauqua at http://www.highplainschautauqua.org or by calling (970) 352-3567.
Please join us for all or part of High Plains Chautauqua. You'll find it truly is part of Greeley Unexpected.
Jane Adams has been director of High Plains Chautauqua for the past nine years and served as program chairwoman prior to that.
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