A global citizen and fresh voice in documentary filmmaking, Michael Davie chases stories from around the world. (photo provided by Michael Davie)
The Kauffman Center’s new series, Trailblazing Talks, allows audiences to view the world in ways they never have before. This five-speaker series brings worldwide adventure to Kansas City through the eyes of a paleoanthropologist, a journalist, a sports photographer, a global photographer and an oceanographer. Each engaging presentation takes place in Muriel Kauffman Theatre and concludes with a live Q&A session.
Michael Davie, Journalist
Documenting the Red Zone
Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024, at 7:30 p.m.
Michael Davie’s presentation is recommended for mature audiences.
Michael Davie has fearlessly traversed the glaciers of Denali, the frontlines of the Balkans and a South African prison on the mountainside of Rwanda. With 30 years of experience, Davie brings diverse perspectives and transports audiences to surprising places, using humor to convey the power of the human spirit with captivating authenticity.
Jean Fruth, Photographer
From Sandlots to Stadiums: Inside America’s Favorite Pastime
Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at 7:30 p.m.
As one of the few women to cover the Majors, Jean Fruth shares a riveting view of baseball’s rich history and future. Fruth has photographed the game from innovative angles, drawing the eye of Major League Baseball and the National Football League. Beyond these shots, Fruth has interviewed legends from the all-woman league who inspired the film “A League of Their Own” as well as the trailblazers of today. She shares her career of enthralling documentation and distinctive perspectives.
David McLain, Photographer
The Blue Zones: Unlocking the Secrets of Longevity
Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at 7:30 p.m.
David McLain spent years studying the habits and rituals of those in the Blue Zones, where people live vibrant, healthy lives beyond 100 years. McLain is a world traveler, National Geographic photographer, filmmaker and best-selling author. He draws from personal anecdotes and 15 years of research to reveal how to add 10 years to your life. Join McLain on a dynamic journey toward health as he shares the secrets of longevity.
Sylvia Earle, Oceanographer
Saving Our Blue Planet
Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at 7:30 p.m.
With more than 7,500 hours of underwater exploration logged, Sylvia Earle literally immerses herself in her mission to save the ocean. She advises world leaders on vital marine conservation laws and crisis response plans and is determined to make a difference one “Hope Spot” at a time. A TED prize winner and the first female Chief Scientist of NOAA to design and engineer deep water rovers, Earle teaches audiences about the consequences our actions have on the ocean and the role we have in its survival.
Individual ticket prices for Trailblazing Talks presentations range from $37 to $60 plus applicable fees. Visit kauffmancenter.org for more information and to purchase tickets for these eye-opening presentations.
–Grace Kertz
