The life, times and works of the late Tennessee Williams will be explored in free scholars” talks Sept. 10-11 at Carrier Chapel on the campus of Mississippi University for Women.
Dr. Ralph Voss of the University of Alabama, Dr. Kim Whitehead of MUW, Dr. Colby Kullman of the University of Mississippi, and Dr. John Gronbeck-Tedesco of the University of Kansas will share information on a diverse range of topics.
“We are very fortunate to have scholars of this caliber presenting on our campus during the Tennessee Williams Tribute week Sept. 6-12, ” said Bridget Pieschel, Tribute scholars chair. “Their creative ideas and perceptive comments help all of us to understand the international significance of one of Columbus” most famous sons.”
Talks will include:
- Friday, Sept. 10 — From 2-4 p.m., Voss will present “With Friends Like These: Tennessee Williams and Truman Capote,” and Whitehead will address “Misread Magdalens: Blanche DuBois and the Penitent Mary.”
- Saturday, Sept. 11 — From 10 a.m.-noon, Kullman will talk on “Tennessee Williams” ”Spring Storm,”” and Gronbeck-Tedesco”s topic will be “Williams and the ”American Religion”: From Gnosis to Light.”
Pieschel said, “Dr. Whitehead”s background in women”s issues and religious studies, Dr. Kullman”s scholarship in film studies, Dr. Voss” knowledge of Tennessee”s contemporaries like Truman Capote and William Inge, and Dr. Gronbeck-Tedesco”s expertise in directing and theatre history bring a wonderful variety of interpretations to this year”s panel.”
The public is invited also to enjoy a free continental breakfast with the scholars Sept. 10 and Sept. 11 at The Puckett House on the MUW campus, from 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Scholars presentations are sponsored by MUW”s Center for Women”s Research and Public Policy, the Columbus Cultural Heritage Foundation, the Tribute Committee, and a grant from the Mississippi Humanities Council. For additional information, visit www.muw.edu/tennesseewilliams/.
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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