Happy 250th Birthday, Jane Austen!
Tuesday, December 16th at 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Join us for a lively exploration of the many adaptations of Jane Austen’s beloved works with writer Jennifer Rose, from the earliest mash-ups in 1913 to the wide array of modern film versions. We’ll take a closer look at the different creative approaches these adaptations have taken over the years, highlighting both faithful interpretations and imaginative reimaginings. The presentation will also include a brief overview of Austen’s life and novels to provide helpful background. To top it off, we’ll celebrate Jane’s birthday with cupcakes!
Jennifer Rose is the author of two books of poetry, The Old Direction of Heaven(Truman State University Press, 2000) and Hometown for an Hour (Ohio University Press, 2006), winner of the Hollis Summers Poetry Prize and the Audre Lorde Award for Lesbian Poetry. Excerpts from her coming-of-age prose memoir have appeared in Ploughshares and Fourth Genre.
A Jane Austen fan for many decades, she serves on the JASNA Massachusetts steering committee and is working on a contemporary version of Austen’s Persuasion. Her talk will include readings from that manuscript, as well as a discussion about how she has approached the task of adapting Austen’s story.
When not reading Austen or writing, Jennifer works in the field of downtown revitalization. She is also a life-cycle celebrant, officiating at weddings, funerals and other ceremonies. She lives in Waltham.
“You know how interesting the purchase of a sponge-cake is to me.” – Jane to her sister Cassandra in a letter dated June 17, 1808
“When renowned crime novelist Harlan Thrombey is found dead at his estate just after his 85th birthday, the inquisitive and debonair Detective Benoit Blanc is mysteriously enlisted to investigate. From Harlan’s dysfunctional family to his devoted staff, Blanc sifts through a web of red herrings and self-serving lies to uncover the truth behind Harlan’s untimely death.” Rated: PG-13; Running Time: 2hrs 12mins
“After moving to Salem, Mass., teenager Max Dennison explores an abandoned house with his sister Dani and their new friend, Allison. After dismissing a story Allison tells as superstitious, Max accidentally frees a coven of evil witches who used to live in the house. Now, with the help of a magical cat, the kids must steal the witches’ book of spells to stop them from becoming immortal.” Rated: PG Running; Time: 1hr 36mins
“It’s been 29 years since someone lit the Black Flame Candle and resurrected the 17th-century Sanderson sisters, and they are looking for revenge. Now it is up to three high-school students to stop the ravenous witches from wreaking a new kind of havoc on Salem before dawn on All Hallow’s Eve.” Rated: PG; Running Time: 1hr 43mins
“A documentary exploring the life of the Blair Witch and the three missing student filmmakers who disappeared in October of 1994 while investigating the legend of the Blair Witch.” Rated: NR; Running Time: 44mins
“In October of 1994, three student filmmakers disappeared in the forest near Burkittsville, Maryland while shooting a documentary about a legendary 18th-century witch. A year later their footage was found. This is their footage.” Rated R for language (children under 17 require accompanying adult or adult guardian); Running Time: 1hr 18mins
“Erwin, a recent Harvard graduate, suddenly finds himself in hot water when his phone causes an explosion on the set of his first professional acting gig. On his retreat from New Orleans, his car breaks down in Texas, where he encounters a ragtag band of souls, including kindhearted waitress Faye and local oiler Merle, who encourage him to keep pursuing his dreams.” Rated: PG-13; Running Time: 1hr 44mins
