New dates, new location, new name — but the same great Chautauqua

Since 1992, Nevada Humanities has offered Great Basin Chautauqua, a well-loved summer cultural event featuring interactive performances by community scholars who research, rehearse and present historic figures in full character, who then address their contemporary audiences. For 2008, several major changes are slated to enhance the already popular summer program:

•New dates: June 22-26, 2008, Sunday through Thursday, with musical introductions, 6-6:45 p.m. and Chautauqua performances, 7-9 p.m. each evening

•New location: Robert Z. Hawkins Amphitheater at Bartley Ranch Regional Park in Reno

•New name: Nevada Humanities Chautauqua (formerly Great Basin Chautauqua)

•The theme for the 2008 Nevada Humanities Chautauqua is Lincoln and the Civil War. Chautauqua scholar Clay Jenkinson, artistic director and moderator, will portray John Hay, Lincoln’s young secretary.

Audiences are encouraged to prepare for the 2008 Chautauqua by reading Doris Kearns Goodwin’s Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln.

The sixteenth president will come alive through his own words and the stories of those who knew him best. Historical characters will include Mary Todd Lincoln, Lincoln’s private secretary and friend John Hay, abolitionist Frederick Douglass and General Ulysses S. Grant.

Performance schedule and tickets
The Nevada Humanities Chautauqua performance schedule, presenters and ticket prices will be announced on the Nevada Humanities website. Tickets will be available in advance online or at the gate starting at 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday of Chautauqua week.

Young Chautauqua performances
The Young Chautauqua theme for 2008 is Battle Born: Civil War, Statehood, Westward Expansion, 1840-1900, with performances on Sunday evening, June 22, and each morning, Monday through Thursday, June 23-26. All Young Chautauqua performances are free and open to the public.

Refreshments
Food and drinks will be available for purchase.

Picnics and drinks, including wine and other alcoholic beverages, are permitted in the Robert Z. Hawkins Amphitheatre,

• No glass is allowed in the amphitheatre
All liquids must be transferred into unbreakable containers.

For more information about Nevada Humanities, call (775) 784-6587 or 1-800-382-5023, or visit www.nevadahumanities.org.

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