Enjoy a chef-prepared meal and discussion of current topics with faculty experts from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point at “Dinner and Discourse” at the Amherst Opera House.

Offered in August and October, the events will feature a presentation, a multicourse dinner by local internationally trained Chef Salvatore Friedel and Eleonore Hebal and a cash bar through Central Waters Brewing Company. Both events will begin at 6 p.m. at the opera house, 207 N. Main St., Amherst.

On Saturday, Aug. 24, Associate Professor Joshua Horn, philosophy, will discuss “The Nature of Free Will” and the theological and scientific reasons why humans have it or don’t. He will describe how philosophers have historically understood this freedom and why the debate over free will is important today. Tickets are $30 per person and must be purchased by Wed, August 21st at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/4302582.

On Friday, Oct. 11, Associate Professor Shanny Luft, religious studies, will discuss “Violence and Media” and why movies, comic books and other sources are blamed for public violence. He will trace the history of public fears on the topic and lead a conversation about our thoughts and experiences regarding violence and popular culture. Tickets for this event are $30 per person and can be purchased at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/4304528.

Contact the opera house at 715-321-0122 or amherstoperahouse@gmail.com for more information.

“Dinner and Discourse” is sponsored by the UW-Stevens Point College of Letters and Science and the Amherst Opera House.