The 1950s was a pivotal period for American culture. The national mindset of sacrifice and reserve brought about by the Great Depression and the Second World War was lifting and the next generation was primed to indulge in the prosperity, exuberance, and eccentricities unleashed by the new era. Consumerism was worshipped and the future was bright. We guiltlessly indulged our rejuvenated national spirit. We were Livin’ the 50s!

When you enter Modernism Week’s theatre to experience this funny, insightful, and revealing presentation, the date will no longer be February 20, 2025. It will be January 1, 1960, and you’ll be there—on New Year’s Day—to witness a live tribute to the decade that just passed. You’ll be escorted through a selection of rare and forgotten film clips that captured American culture at a time when we were aspirational to the point of delusion, trusting but repressed, educated but oblivious, and privileged but guarded. Arrive early to purchase wine or cocktails at CAMP Cafe for the show.

Program producer and presentation host Eric Chiel previously brought to Modernism Week the sold out, Honey, I’m Home!: Classic Television Residences as Never Before Seen, Anne Serling’s My Dad, Rod Serling, and Ron Hicklin: The Most Famous Voice You Never Heard Of. For 2025, he continues exploring American popular culture with Livin’ the 50s: A Myth America Pageant, and he returns with Marina Coates for Honey, I’m Back!: MORE Classic Television Residences as Never Before Seen

Click HERE for Livin’ the 50s: A Myth America video trailer