JFK: The Last Speech Film Screening and Fundraiser Honoring the 125th Anniversary of the Colorado Chautauqua
Help us care for Chautauqua this milestone year.
Doors: 4:15 PM
Showtime: 4:45 PM
Auditorium concert ticket included.
ABOUT THE FILM:
In this era of political tension, when civic culture is fractured and when the value of the liberal arts is questioned, a message from 1963 has particular resonance.
Twenty-seven days before he was assassinated, President Kennedy came to Amherst College to honor the poet Robert Frost in a speech Stewart Udall called “the most majestic” of Kennedy’s career. He spoke of the relationship of poetry to power and of a view shared with Frost that power must be exercised, but wisely — tempered by a moral restraint inspired by the arts and a liberal arts education. And, he spoke of the obligation of those “given a running start in life” to serve the public interest.
JFK: The Last Speech communicates the impact of this message through the stories of Amherst alumni and students and reflections by prominent scholars and political observers. Produced by an award-winning filmmaker, this film ignites public discourse on enduring values and on our shared responsibility for the public interest. It is a call to action to rebuild our civic sphere — infused with broad sympathy, understanding, and compassion.
ABOUT THE EVENT:
Enjoy cocktails and appetizers in Chautauqua’s historic Community House and meet the producers of the poignant documentary JFK: The Last Speech prior to the screening of this important film, which reveals how President Kennedy and poet Robert Frost inspired a generation to serve their country and humanity with their words at Amherst College in 1963.
The film will be followed by an orchestral tribute to two great legacies: JFK and the Colorado Chautauqua. The Colorado Musical Festival will perform two world premiere symphonies, including an interpretation of JFK: The Last Speech, and a tribute to Chautauqua – Flatiron Escapades: A Celebration of Chautauqua’s 125th Anniversary, performed in the iconic Chautauqua Auditorium
This program is supported with funding from the generous bequest of Betsy Hitchcock.