Chautauqua is a part of a unique educational and cultural movement that began in the late 19th century in the United States. Originally, Chautauqua gatherings were summer events held at camps, later expanding into a broader festival format that combined education, the arts, and entertainment. The performances are designed to educate and entertain, allowing the audience to engage with significant cultural and historical themes.
We are thrilled to welcome you to this exceptional 2025 event, titled “Anything Goes: America in the Roaring Twenties,” featuring Al Capone, Zitkala-Sa, Zane Grey, Bessie Smith and Mae West.
Our scholars and historians will transport us back to one of the most vibrant and transformative decades in American history, marked by cultural shifts, artistic innovation, and profound societal change. The Roaring Twenties, often referred to as the Jazz Age, were marked by a spirited embrace of modernity. It was a time when people sought freedom of expression, music and dance flourished, and the frontiers of thought were pushed wider than ever before. This event will not only explore the exciting developments of the era but will also offer us a chance to reflect on how those changes continue to influence our lives today. Throughout the event, we will feature engaging performances, captivating workshops, and enlightening discussions led by renowned scholars and cultural figures.
Workshops each day are at 10:30 am and 12 pm in Room 124 on the NWOSU-Enid campus.
Today's workshops:
10:30 am Workshop, by Karen Vuranch (Mae West):
Speak No Evil – Censorship in America: Mae West used sexual inuendo to combat censorship in Hollywood. Throughout the 20th century and now in the 21st, censorship is more and more an issue. This workshop will address examples of extremism in censorship and will encourage a discussion about when censorship is appropriate and when it endangers freedom of speech and personal choice.
12 pm Workshop, by Rebecca Marks Jimerson (Bessie Smith):
Visions of the African American Experience in the 1920s: Discover the rich literary landscape of the Harlem Renaissance by exploring the poetry of Langston Hughes, Paul Laurence Dunbar, James Weldon Johnson, Claude McKay, Countee Cullen, and Arna Bontemps. This workshop will explore how these poets captured the African American experience during the 1920s, discussing themes of racial identity, resilience, and cultural pride.
Admission is always free to attend any Chautauqua event!
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