Director Nancy Rosenwald said the library will host a performance of “America in Crisis,” a Chatauqua series that features speakers such as Lincoln, Franklin Roosevelt, George Washington and Rosa Parks. The performance is sponsored by Wofford College, which is hosting the program this month at the Leonard Auditorium in Spartanburg.
“The performers in the series are both scholars and actors with extensive performance experience,” Mrs. Rosenwald said. “They are fascinated by the characters they portray and have a personal relationship with history. This will be unscripted, spontaneous historical theater involving audience participation so bring your questions for Abe Lincoln and prepare for a lively conversation.”
The performance is part of the library’s efforts to provide educational and cultural activities for the community during the summer. While Sunday’s performance will be the only one of its kind this year at the library, Mrs. Rosenwald said that if it is successful she hopes Chatauqua will return next year and present the entire series.
Chatauqua (pronounced Shuh-TALK-wa) is an American Indian word for a lake in New York where the Chatauqua Institute has presented arts and educational programs since 1879. Each summer from 1904-1932, the Institute took its programs on the road across America. The road shows stopped during the Great Depression but were revived in the 1970s under the auspices of national and state humanities councils.
Sunday’s program will be presented on the steps of the library at 4 p.m. with light refreshments to follow. Mrs. Rosenwald said the event is free of charge and the public is invited to attend. She added that the program will move inside if it rains or the heat becomes excessive.
For more information about Sunday’s performance, contact the Union County Carnegie Library at 427-7140.
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