Opening of the Pell Chafee performance center 
September 26, 2005

Zechariah Chafee's Remarks 

Good evening. The Chafee family is delighted to join you as we raise the curtain on the life of the new theater. And as we celebrate the opening of the 3rd stage for the Trinity Company, we might reflect on the enduring power to move us to live, dramatic performance. In this age of televised theatrics beamed to us as we sit as home, in this era of easily rented movie videotapes, still we respond to the live presence of human players in action before our eyes and ears. Think of it. Since the time of Sophocles and his tragedies performed 24 centuries ago, playwrights and players have explored the human condition in this vivid and forceful way. And now today, despite all of the modern amusements that lure our gaze, we still find unique and more compelling reward in what we see and hear from actors on a stage. So here’s to the men and women of Trinity, to the players and all those who support them. For some forty years you and your artistic forebears have enlivened and enriched the lives of Rhode Islanders. We thank you all and look forward to feeling for many more years the power of your art.

Nuala Pell’s remarks

Claiborne and I are very proud to be with you today. We…I with pride and he with characteristic humility…are deeply appreciative of the honor you have bestowed on him today. I can also tell you how important it is to him to share this honor with John Chafee, his colleague of man years and an individual for whom he had the deepest respect. You and I know that is was Claiborne’s quiet determination that led to the establishment of the National Endowment for the Arts that has been such an immense deprecation that is so much his hallmark, he would be quick to point out that is could not have been accomplished without strong support from both sides of the aisle, particularly the help of young Republicans like Jacob Javits. And that is true, But you and I also know something that he would be reticent to claim: that because of his unwavering commitment to the arts, our nation is a better, more exciting, and dynamic place in which to live. Claiborne has always envisioned an America where any individual, regardless of background, could read and appreciate good books, enjoy and appreciate theatre, view and appreciate art. He has always seen and America where individuals, with moxie as he would say, could pursue their most cherished dreams and where the lack of financial resources would not stand in their way. And I know he had always thought those dreams might well include a career in the arts. We may not have achieved all that he dreams, but we are a great deal closer because ha has sought to bring those dreams into the real world. With heartfelt appreciation, we both thank you.