Open to Public
Aspen Ideas Festival: America in Her Own Words
Free Event
As we approach this momentous July 4th, we will celebrate and contextualize our national story through the oratory of some of our greatest Americans. Back by popular demand, the Theater of War crew presents July 4th speeches by Frederick Douglass, Abraham Lincoln, and Susan B. Anthony, followed by a guided audience discussion reflecting on America’s 250th birthday.
Cast Members
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Michael Potts
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Kathryn Erbe
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David Strathairn
Event Partner
Explore Projects
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RacismA REFUTATIONA REFUTATION presents dramatic readings by acclaimed actors of excerpts from two conflicting historic accounts of Philadelphia’s 1793 yellow fever epidemic as a catalyst for guided audience discussions about health inequities in America today, grounded in the perspectives of nurses, caregivers, and first responders.
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Addiction & Substance AbuseRum and VodkaThis project presents a one-man Irish play about a 24-year-old whose life is coming apart, due to drinking, in order to provoke discussions about alcoholism and addiction within diverse communities.
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Natural DisasterThe Tohoku ProjectThe Tohoku Project: Sumidagawa presents powerful dramatic readings by professional actors of Sumidagawa, a Noh play from the early 15th Century that timelessly depicts the unique challenges faced by parents in the wake of unimaginable disaster. Each reading is followed by the responses of community panelists, culminating in a lively, facilitated audience discussion. This interactive event promotes healthy, constructive dialogue about the lasting impact of the Tohoku disaster upon individuals, families, and communities—fostering compassion, understanding, awareness, and positive action.