Author: Lindsay Reading Korth
Discussions about the renovation of the amphitheater have exploded with concern that with too little public notice the institution has begun to tear down a national treasure.
I have watched this issue balloon in the past few months and I have to say that I avoided even reading most postings after seeing the provocative and aggressive headlines. Now, as an old Chautauquan and a Nazareth College professor with time for reflection after the busy semester has wrapped up, it seems important to speak out. information sessions about a possible renovation of the amphitheater began years ago. I remember forms to fill out and multiple summers of forums advertised at different points of each season to inform and to capture as many points of view as possible before the enormous task of raising funding began.
As a five generation Chautauquan I feel strongly that what is precious about the amphitheater is an IDEA. The idea of a huge gathering place for the sharing of arts and ideas. A place that is both formal and informal and central to the very geography and the conception of living on the grounds… not its architecture. Yes, our home is living history and this is around us in beautiful walk ways and charming Victorian cottages (new and old) and in the plaza and certainly the Hall of Philosophy. But our home is also a vibrant, current center for sharing thought provoking information and the arts.
If we are to keep current, we need facilities that are current. I worry that if we keep the amphitheater as it is, we will lose Chautauqua’s ability to ring the most relevant controversial issues to its lecture platform or the most exciting and innovative performing arts on to its stage.
So I would ask us to keep this question before us… is it the building or the events within the amphitheater that we must protect?