I spent most of last August in Azerbaijan. I was there to help to run a free summer camp in a in the foothills of the Southern Caucasus mountains. It was called the Gəncləri Qusar Liderlik Düşərgəsi (Qusar Youth Leadership Camp). We were based at a school in a Lezgi village called Imamgulukend in the Qusar District, close to the Russian border. The camp was funded by a State Department grant called CDAF Citizen Diplomacy Action Fund. It was a wonderful and successful experience.
I've just written two articles about Azerbaijan, one about the history and geopolitics of Baku and the other tells the story of the camp. They were published in the Milwaukee Independent, an online news bureau which often runs international stories. They were published this week to coincide with COP29 – the United Nations annual climate conference – which is taking place in Baku, Azerbaijan's capital city.
The camp was a collaboration with the country's first eco-tourism company, Camping Azerbaijan. It had been a long time since I had worked with younger kids (ages 9 – 15) and it was deeply rewarding to connect with them - despite language barriers - and to feel like the camp was an important experience for them. We had a terrific team of counselors including my friend Matt Schultz, who initiated the idea, plus 4 Azerbaijani professionals and two university students. We also had a visit from two cultural officers from the U.S. Embassy in Baku and we're now in discussion with them about the possibility of returning next summer, and perhaps running a camp in two locations.
Here are links to the articles:
And a podcast on my articles and the issues: https://www.milwaukeeindependent.com/sound/podcasts/podcast-deep-dive-edward-morgans-exploration-azerbaijan-cop29/
Meanwhile, I’m headed back to Milwaukee soon for JOHN McGIVERN'S WINTER WONDERLAND at the Oak Creek Performing Arts Center. This is a reprise of last year’s venue, but the material will be different. John is a fabulous storyteller/actor/comedian, and a winner of multiple Midwest Emmy awards as a Public TV host for John McGivern’s Main Streets (and before that Around the Corner with John McGivern). I’ve worked with John off and on for many years. I’m the director for this show, and also the designer. We’re using a series of images/slides which we’ll use behind each of the stories and in transitions and so on. It’s always a joy to work with John and for this program he’s also collaborating a high school orchestra and jazz ensemble for two numbers, which is a lot of fun.
Charles Dickens’
A Christmas Carol
Adapted by Edward Morgan & Joseph Hanreddy
Music Arrangements by John Tanner
November 21, 2024 - December 21, 2024
In other good news, my co-adaptation of A CHRISTMAS CAROL will soon be playing again at the Clarence Brown Theatre in Knoxville. I wrote this version with Joe Hanreddy, back when he was the Artistic Directo at Milwaukee Rep and I was Associate Artistic Director. John Tanner created the musical arrangements. I later directed the piece at the Clarence Brown Theatre for the first few years, and since then they’ve produced it on and off with different directors and production elements. They do a terrific job, with a mix of professionals, MFA students, undergrads and some local folks. The Knoxville community apparently really loves our adaptation and it’s wonderful that the theatre continues to remount it. Once again this year, Jed Diamond will play Scrooge, and he's truly special in the role.
Finally, in March I'll be back in Kyrgyzstan as a Fulbright Specialist. I was accepted to the Specialist roster many months ago so I’m delighted that this is finally going to happen. I’ll be back at Ala-Too International University but this time I'll work primarily with faculty, helping develop two courses, one in Leadership and another in Digital Storytelling. I hope also to do some more teaching at the American University of Central Asia (where I previously taught in the Film department), and to see more of that beautiful country. I'm excited to return.
That’s the news for now.
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