Chautauqua: Interactive Theater & Educational Talks
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Chautauqua: Interactive Theater & Educational Talks
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In celebration of this notable occasion – the 250th anniversary of America’s Revolutionary War – Chautauqua explores “Revolutionary Americans.” We celebrate not only those in the Carolinas who fought and often died for freedom during this revolutionary period but also those who continued to upset the status quo to reshape their world and make America a more perfect union.
Talks are not costumed performances, but are a chance to engage in discussion with experts on the storied lives of our upcoming season’s cast. Co-sponsored by the Greenville County Library System for 28 seasons!
1/27/2026
Edgar Allan Poe Talk led by Tim Helwig
7 pm
-
8:30 pm
In person at the Hughes Main Library, 25 Heritage Green Pl, Greenville, SC, 29601 and via livestream on YouTube - link in event description.
Event Details
1/27/2026
Edgar Allan Poe Talk led by Tim Helwig
Raised in the theater and orphaned as a child, Poe was fostered by a wealthy Richmond, Virginia merchant who had admired the acting of the b...
7 pm
-
8:30 pm
In person at the Hughes Main Library, 25 Heritage Green Pl, Greenville, SC, 29601 and via livestream on YouTube - link in event description.
2/24/2026
Paul Robeson Talk led by Marian Strobel
7 pm
-
8:30 pm
In person at the Hughes Main Library, 25 Heritage Green Pl, Greenville, SC, 29601 and via livestream on YouTube - link in event description.
Event Details
2/24/2026
Paul Robeson Talk led by Marian Strobel
After being a twice All-American college footballer for Rutgers and a player on two NFL teams, Paul Robeson completed his law degree at Colu...
7 pm
-
8:30 pm
In person at the Hughes Main Library, 25 Heritage Green Pl, Greenville, SC, 29601 and via livestream on YouTube - link in event description.
3/31/2026
Captain Henry Felder Talk led by John Brian Eleazer
7 pm
-
8:30 pm
In person at the Hughes Main Library, 25 Heritage Green Pl, Greenville, SC, 29601 and via livestream on YouTube - link will be in the event description.
Event Details
3/31/2026
Captain Henry Felder Talk led by John Brian Eleazer
Hans Henrich Felder, later Henry Felder, was born in Switzerland, immigrated to America with his parents as a young boy and settled in the C...
7 pm
-
8:30 pm
In person at the Hughes Main Library, 25 Heritage Green Pl, Greenville, SC, 29601 and via livestream on YouTube - link will be in the event description.
4/14/2026
Mother Jones Talk led by Tammy Pike
7 pm
-
8:30 pm
In person at the Hughes Main Library, 25 Heritage Green Pl, Greenville, SC, 29601 and via livestream on YouTube - link will be in the event description.
Event Details
4/14/2026
Mother Jones Talk led by Tammy Pike
Following the deaths of her family from yellow fever in 1867 and the destruction of her dressmaker business in the 1871 Great Chicago Fire, ...
7 pm
-
8:30 pm
In person at the Hughes Main Library, 25 Heritage Green Pl, Greenville, SC, 29601 and via livestream on YouTube - link will be in the event description.
5/5/2026
Rebecca Motte Talk led by Margaret Pickett
7 pm
-
8:30 pm
In person at the Hughes Main Library, 25 Heritage Green Pl, Greenville, SC, 29601 and via livestream on YouTube - link will be in the event description.
Event Details
5/5/2026
Rebecca Motte Talk led by Margaret Pickett
Raised in privilege in Charleston, Rebecca Motte demonstrated unwavering commitment toward the American Revolution war efforts. She directed...
7 pm
-
8:30 pm
In person at the Hughes Main Library, 25 Heritage Green Pl, Greenville, SC, 29601 and via livestream on YouTube - link will be in the event description.
2/5/2026
Ernest Hemingway portrayed by John Dennis Anderson
3 pm
-
4:30 pm
Spartanburg County Public Libraries — Headquarters Library 151 South Church St, Spartanburg, SC 29306
Event Details
2/5/2026
Ernest Hemingway portrayed by John Dennis Anderson
Registration required at all Spartanburg shows. About 30 days before the event, go to: https://www.spartanburglibraries.org/Events to regist...
3 pm
-
4:30 pm
Spartanburg County Public Libraries — Headquarters Library 151 South Church St, Spartanburg, SC 29306
2/5/2026
Ernest Hemingway portrayed by John Dennis Anderson
7 pm
-
8:30 pm
Spartanburg County Public Libraries — Headquarters Library 151 South Church St, Spartanburg, SC 29306
Event Details
2/5/2026
Ernest Hemingway portrayed by John Dennis Anderson
Registration required at all Spartanburg shows. About 30 days before the event, go to: https://www.spartanburglibraries.org/Events to regist...
7 pm
-
8:30 pm
Spartanburg County Public Libraries — Headquarters Library 151 South Church St, Spartanburg, SC 29306
2/7/2026
Ernest Hemingway portrayed by John Dennis Anderson
2 pm
-
3:30 pm
Wade Hampton High School 100 Pine Knoll Dr, Greenville, SC 29609
Event Details
2/7/2026
Ernest Hemingway portrayed by John Dennis Anderson
FREE Admission. In-person event. Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Come early to get a seat. Doors open ...
2 pm
-
3:30 pm
Wade Hampton High School 100 Pine Knoll Dr, Greenville, SC 29609
2/8/2026
Ernest Hemingway portrayed by John Dennis Anderson
2 pm
-
3:30 pm
Pickens County Performing Arts Center 310 W Main St, Liberty, SC 29657
Event Details
2/8/2026
Ernest Hemingway portrayed by John Dennis Anderson
FREE Admission. In-person event. Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Come early to get a seat. Doors open ...
2 pm
-
3:30 pm
Pickens County Performing Arts Center 310 W Main St, Liberty, SC 29657
June 12 - 23, 2026
Our Shows
Chautauqua is Interactive Theater. Our performances take you on an astonishing journey into the past — to laugh with Mark Twain — to dream with Martin Luther King, Jr. — to walk the Trail of Tears with the Cherokee — to wonder with Rachel Carson. You become an “eyewitness” to History. Chautauqua performers are part scholar and part actor. Fascinated by their characters for years, they can answer your questions in the character’s own words. Our programs reflect America’s diversity and feature compelling discussion. And it’s not a Chautauqua performance without audience participation. Prepare to meet some incredible people. Keep the questions coming and the conversation going!
Our Mission
Greenville Chautauqua aims to bring history to life through the use of compelling storytelling and interactive theater where discussion and audience participation stimulates critical thinking.
Our Supporters
We would not exist it it weren't for our wonderful donors and volunteers!
Our Partners
This project is funded in part by the South Carolina Arts Commission which receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts.
The activity that is the subject of this web site has been financed in part with
state funds from the SC American Revolution Sestercentennial Commission (SC250).
However, the contents and opinions do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of
SC250, nor does the mention of trade names or commercial products constitute
endorsement or recommendation by SC250.
This program is funded in part by the Metropolitan Arts Council which receives support from the City of Greenville, BMW Manufacturing Company, and SEW Eurodrive.
Greenville Chautauqua is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
EIN 26-0058066
Greenville Chautauqua Society
P.O. Box 9571, Greenville, SC 29604
USA
864-244-1499
Copyright © 2025 History Comes Alive - All Rights Reserved.