With the United States still wrestling with the social and political fall-out of an uncertain economy and apocalyptic-like weather events threatening our built environment, anxiety about our future is widespread. Because of this, Action Speaks has decided this October to look at moments in 20th Century US history where America’s greatest hopes and despair have been represented in our country’s collective imagination and construction. Our theme this year is Utopian/Dystopian, dates where traditional and idiosyncratic ideas for the transcendent meet the amplification of ‘everyday horrific’ in a battle for reality. As always, our Action Speaks season will offer great discussions, wonderful archival and contemporary interviews and music and most importantly….surprise!

All forums happen at AS220 (115 Empire Street, Providence RI 02903), door at 5:30 / 6pm start, always free of charge!

October 3: 1941; BETTING ON HEDONISM
Las Vegas ‘Strip’ is born when El Rancho Vegas opens

October 10: 1957; PARADISE FOUND (AND LOST?)
Frommer’s ‘Europe on $5 A Day’ is published

October 17: 1906; HEAVEN FOR ALL
The Seymour’s Azusa Street Revival and the birth of Pentecostalism

October 24: 1924; STRETCHING TO BLISS
The birth of Yoga in America and The Great Oom’s Nyack, NY Retreat