Spring 2019  Department of English & Theatre  Acadia University

 VOLUME 26  SPRING 2019  DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH & THEATRE  ACADIA UNIVERSITY

SSHRC Recipient Dr. Patricia Rigg takes Students to do Research at the British Library in

Athena Grantwell and Emily McClean, The London Eye, and the Globe Theatre For more on this story see the back cover

Acadia English & Theatre  Spring 2019 1 THEATRE REVIEWS One Man ,Two Guvnors VOICE had the feminists roaring with ONE MAN, TWO GUVNORS ‘Dolly’ played by Stephanie by Ashley Wells Clervi; had people’s stomachs 4 growling and aching Theatre Reviews with laughter by Joe One Man, Two Guvnors Brown’s character Tartuffe ‘Francis Henshall’; Andy Jones at Acadia shocked faces when the Commedia delle’Arte character ‘Roscoe Minifest 2019 Crabbe’ turned out to be his own twin sister English Society Events ‘Rachel Crabbe’ in Escape Room Pub Night disguise played by Words on Tap Alynne Sinnema; and Estuary Launch everyone’s favourite character, ‘Alfie’ played Atlantic Undergraduate by Sarah Surette, had us English Conference all rooting for his inept attempt to keep up with Authors @ Acadia the other characters in Sylvia Hamilton his old age. A huge Douglas Gibson thank you goes out to all Annick MacAskill the other actors and Ian Storey everyone involved. As Other News all shows go, this show Christine Kendrick’s Retirement had a few hiccups New Faculty: Kait Pinder slightly larger than Dr. Rigg takes students to London most, but everyone involved handled them Staff Elijah Boulton and Sarah Surette with grace and gaiety! Myles Bradley This show had a lovely story Rhea Davis One Man, Two Guvnors ending of “everything works Josh Foote was a remarkable show, Zachary Goldsmith involving both Theatre Emily McClean Majors as well as Music Rylie Moscato Majors! Directed by Robert Cameron Smith Seale, you know this show Ashley Wells was an absolute ‘hoot’! The Lance La Rocque (Faculty Advisor) show featured a live band Wanda Campbell (Layout) comprised of Maxwell Gallant (Keyboards), Ryan If you would like to help Harvey (Percussion), with Voice 4, contact Matthew Nicholson [email protected] (Saxophone,Guitar,Vocals), Phone: 585-1146 Thomas O’Leary (Guitar, Lead Vocals), and Kevin Pirker (Bass and Vocals)! This show had the perfect casting and a little surprise at intermission, Ice Cream Sandwiches! Joe Brown as Francis Henshall

2 Spring 2019  Acadia English & Theatre Matt MacDonald, Norah Chaput, Brian Sehestedt, Sarah Surette, Joe Brown, Maddi Mackinnon, Stephanie Clervi, Duncan Pileggi, Brent Raddall, Elijah Boulton, and Alynne Sinnema (All Theatre photos by Daniel Franck ) out in the end,” which relates play depicts the story of a small Swept up in this zealotry is the perfectly to the actual experience town that has been captivated by war veteran Orgon (Joe Brown) of putting the show together! It an evangelical minister named who promises Tartuffe his was a pleasure to work with such Tartuffe (Lewis Coverdale). daughter Mariane’s (Gabrielle a talented group of people. Songs such as “That’s What Sa- Therrien) hand in marriage. Thank you to all who came tan Hates,” sung by a group of Mariane was already engaged to out to support Acadia Theatre! women so dedicated to Tartuffe marry Valère (Myles Bradley) that they bow at his feet, repeat- and this change of plans brought Moliere’s Tartuffe: edly praising God, depict reli- about a tension between familial A Newfoundland Adaptation gious fanaticism to the extreme. commitment and true love, also by Zachary Goldsmith

Sitting in Denton Hall’s lower theatre, the audience is greeted by the warm melodies of fiddle and guitar playing a Newfoundland folk song. This marks the beginning of the Acadia Theatre Company’s Spring 2019 production of Tartuffe, a play written by France’s most famous comedic playwright Molière and adapted to take place in a pre-Confederation Newfoundland on the brink of World War Two by Andy Jones. Directed by Acadia’s Dr. Michael Devine, the (from l.to r.) Brian Sehestedt, Stephanie Clervi, Joe Brown, Sarah Surette, Maddi Mackinnon, Gabrielle Therrien, Myles Bradley, and Katie Mintz

Acadia English & Theatre  Spring 2019 3 leading into a hilarious scene Andy Jones between Mariane and Valére at the Acadia Gallery where they hash out their con- by Ashley Wells fused feelings for one another. It is not until Orgon real- The Acadia Theatre izes that Tartuffe has some less Company had the pleasure of -than-platonic feelings for his hosting a workshop for Andy wife Elmire (Stephanie Clervi), Jones, the writer of Tartuffe a something that did not occur to Newfoundland adaptation of him until he hid under a table Molieré’s play. Everyone who as the minister made some un- attended this workshop had the holy advances towards her, that opportunity to meet Jones as Tartuffe is exposed, his façade well as ask questions about his of a righteous messenger of process of adapting this play! God crumbling. This is the same play that the rhyming couplets because they The entire play is a com- Acadia Theatre Company had were so hard. So whenever I mentary not only on religious put on as their second semes- got them right, that was my hypocrisy but on blindly trust- ter’s production. favourite part.” This man is ex- ing what can often be the emp- One of the questions tremely humble, very funny, ty promises of others. The act- asked was, “What made you and an absolute pleasure to talk ing was superb, the set design decide to adapt this particular to. He said he got the idea for and music captivating, and the play?” Jones answered comedi- one of his characters by talking story a wonderful blend of ban- cally, “I was told to.” Another to a real family who had a son ter, tension, and lighthearted question was, “What was your who had lost his arm in the humour in the face of favourite part of this process?” war. For those who have read deception. Jones answered, “Definitely the the play, this character’s name

Tuzenbakh (Blake Ward) wooing Irina (Andrea Switzer) in the Prozorov Home

Andrea Switzer as Norah Helmer and Hunter Haas as Nils Krogstad

Lewis Coverdale as Tartuffe with Townsfolk (all Theatre photos by Daniel Franck)

4 Spring 2019  Acadia English & Theatre is Orgon and he is the father of Commedia eccentrically costumed comedy the household. Dell’arte Presentation club on a boat trip to perform With the adaptation, there by Rhea Davis their show. Through dance, were a few changes to the improvisation and entertaining script. For instance, Tartuffe’s On October 12th at 7:30 gestures, the students brought character doesn't come out until I attended the Commedia their characters to life. In this near the end in Molière’s ver- delle’arte presentation at the form of theatre, each character sion, but in Jones’ version, he Upper Denton Theatre. The wears a mask, and therefore has Tartuffe come in the begin- performance starred Commedia must convey emotions through ning. Fun fact, Jones did this masters Cinzia Grande and An- exaggerated and distinct body because he himself actually drea Lattari, who ventured from motions. The way each charac- played the character on stage as Italy to teach this exemplary ter holds themselves defines Tartuffe and *jokingly* “didn't their personality. want to wait back- Following stage for 45 the students’ minutes or so to whimsical play, come on stage”! the masters One thing took the stage that Jones men- for “Commedia tioned that he was Cavalcade.” really worried The Italian duo about was that the provided comedy would be descriptions of exhausted or that Commedia, he would ‘step on including how the comedy’ of the it became a play. Mr. Jones widespread and always pictured rapidly this play happen- increasing ing in the intimate artform in setting of black Europe, as well box theatres just so it could be form of theatre to Acadia stu- as its separation from other immersive with the audience. dents. Commedia dell’arte is an forms of theater. Succeeding a There were one or two theatres Italian theatrical form dating brief account explaining each in Newfoundland where the back more than 500 years, character and mask, the artists cast weren't able to go past the where a cast of stock characters created improvised skits which fire curtain on stage, thus mak- deriving from fifteenth century highlighted the specific role of ing it less interactive with the northern Italy engage in impro- each popular stock character. audience, taking away the inti- vised dialogue and demonstrate The comedians knew how to macy. This man was filled with stereotyped, specific personali- work the crowd, cleverly wisdom for all the students and ty traits. inserting witty remarks about locals who attended. It was an Part one of the show Nova Scotia and absolute pleasure to have the titled “The Voyage” included a Acadia playwright-adaptor of one of cast of Acadia University University. the Acadia Theatre Company’s theatre students. This was a Everyone productions come talk to us and performance displaying the applauded and see our show. knowledge the students had at- snickered during tained through the instruction each short-lived of Grande and Lattari. The co- and playful mical spectacle portrayed the performance. students as a brightly and

Acadia English & Theatre  Spring 2019 5 The presentation resulted there was The New Pasteur Amelia George, was the third in a standing ovation, and it directed by Lewis Coverdale, short play on the list; this story was evident that the crowd was which was the story of a doctor of a bus driver, a waitress, and pleased. The theatre students in the 1920s who had a very a teenager who had one too were extremely talented in con- different opinion of the diagno- many drinks was sure to leave veying their newly-learned sis of madness than other pro- its viewers speechless. Finally, characters, and in participating fessionals. Next up was a for the Minifest of 2019, Trian- in such a unique theatrical quaint but nonetheless enter- gle takes the spotlight. Directed form. Grande and Lattari were taining show called Stuck by Erin Chai, this was the so- excellent in their bering story of the descriptions of Com- Triangle Shirt- media and nourished waist Factory, a the audience with sweatshop in New education not only York City that concerning this par- burned in 1911, ticular art, but also killing many about the enchanting workers who, by culture of Italy. majority, were young women Minifest 2019 who could not es- by Myles Bradley cape the fire. Variety is a If there is one word that could be thing that Minifest is used to describe good for, it is being the time and effort unique: one-hundred spent on Minifest percent student-run, as many elements set in a sandbox the- of theatre were atre, and chock-full put in to play (ba- of surprises as well da-tss!), including as many learning sound, projection, curves for young lighting, set, students of theatre to wardrobe, and experience. Being ushering. The involved in Minifest genuine interest is not limited to just and determination theatre students, that each student though. There were brings to Minifest members from dif- productions are ferent departments what make it so that participated and enjoyable, so if even acted in the you have not had shows this year. On the topic directed by Alex Austin-Boyd, the chance to witness one for of shows, there were four that a show about an everyday inter- yourself, I personally recom- made it to the final cut. Alt- action between a writer and a mend following the Acadia hough there were seven short man of religion that slowly Theatre Company (ATC) on plays during the 2018 Minifest, began to put smiles on the audi- social media to keep up-to-date the ones that took the top this ence’s faces as the comedic with news and upcoming year did not disappoint; from effects came when least ex- performances! lights up to the final blackout, pected. Overlap, directed by

6 Spring 2019  Acadia English & Theatre Acadia English Society Social Events

Escape Room! departments, participants were On Monday, February An English Society Event extremely excited to be capti- 4th, the Acadia English Society by Cameron Smith vated, and the event was so had our first event of the new successful that it year: a social at Paddy’s Pub was extended an that we had hoped would al- extra day. The hard low students in the English work paid off as Department to get to know only a third of the each other and their professors groups successfully better. The event was an out- solved the puzzle. standing success! We had an The Acadia Eng- amazing turnout, and the Eng- lish Society was lish Society is so grateful to excited to host such the professors who were able a successful event to come, and we are so excited and wants to thank that we saw so many new fac- everyone who es that evening. Paddy’s Pub came out to partici- provided a great atmosphere pate in the creation and graciously accommodated Kelsey MacGowan, Co-President of Acadia English of our Stephen our constantly growing crowd. Society standing outside the escape room. King universe. Stay This event was the perfect way tuned to the English to start the new semester, and In the fall semester of this Society social media pages for the English Society is excited year, the Acadia English Soci- any information on similar to continue bringing our com- ety was excited to host a Ste- events in upcoming semesters! munity closer together by put- phen King escape room for the ting on great events for the entire student body. The exec- Pub Night students and professors of the utive team combined elements by Emily McClean English Department. of their favourite Stephen King stories such as Misery, IT, Shawshank Redemption, Pet Sematery, The Shining, Cujo, and Carrie to create a horror universe students, professors, and other Aca- dia staff had 15 minutes to escape! After hours of plan- ning, preparation, and prac- tice, the Library Quiet Room was completely transformed into a dark and creepy escape room lit only by (fake and non- flammable) candles that highlighted a criminal atmosphere and gave a sense of quiet, anxiety-ridden ur- gency. From a variety of Pub Night at Paddy’s with the Acadia English Society

Acadia English & Theatre  Spring 2019 7 Words on Tap by Josh Foote

On March 15th, the estuary ______Acadia English Society exec- estuary enjoyed another successful year with Madison utive team held their last Tully at the helm as editor with help from Laura Bullock and event of the year, the annual Robin Gallant. The print issue was launched on April 8 at the Words on Tap. This event Acadia Art Gallery in conjunction with a Public Reading by allowed the students and pro- students in Wanda Campbell’s “Exploring Creative Writing” fessors to share an afternoon Class, many of whom were represented in the issue which full of food, drinks, and poetry at Paddy’s Pub in featured twelve poems and eight short stories. This year’s Wolfville. There were many cover image was by Zach Goldsmith who also had several unique pieces read throughout photographs in the issue along with graphic art by Jordan the afternoon. Dr. Wanda Mahaney. Anyone who wants to get involved should get in Campbell gifted those gath- touch with Dr. Campbell, the Faculty Advisor for estuary. Be ered with selected readings sure to check out the online version of this and past issues at from her work Hat Girl, https://english.acadiau.ca/get-involved/estuary-arts-magazine.html while Dr. Kevin Whetter gave a memorable rendition of a section of Aristophanes’ play The Frogs. A dramatic reading of Taylor Swift’s I Knew You Were Trouble was a par- ticularly hilarious highlight of the event. Other students read their own work, while one group performed a funny reading of a Buzzfeed article. These readings – and many others – demonstrate the val- ue of communal reading in a supportive and creatively in- clined atmosphere. Acadia English Society would like to thank all those who attended the event, espe- cially those willing to perform. The diversity of readings made for an afternoon full of delightful surprises that illustrated the wide- ranging artistic interests of the students and professors in the room. The large number of attendees is hugely reward- ing to the effort our executive team put into organizing this event. It is our sin- cere hope that Words on Tap will continue to flourish and be even better next year.

8 Spring 2019  Acadia English &Theatre (from left to right) Kait Pinder, Tristan Hopkins, Rylie Moscato, Rebecca Sheridan, Sir Gareth of the Round Selena MacDonald, Cameron Smith and Margaret Finlay at AAUEC Table and demonstrated how he exemplifies true knightly identity. The next timeslot of the day featured two of Acadia’s students, Rebecca Sheridan and Tristan Hop- kins. During Rebecca’s panel, she showcased her essay “Rethinking Romance in Anne of Green Gables and Rilla of Ingleside.” She com- pared author L.M. Montgom- ery’s view of romance in characters Anne Shirley in her first novel and Rilla Blythe in her eighth. Tris- tan’s essay titled “A Most Noble Slave: The Outdated Politics of Anti-Slavery Writing in Oroonoko” criticized author Aphra Behn as he discussed her use of old politics when dealing with the harsh topic of anti- slavery. In the last panel of the day students Rylie Mos- cato and Selena Macdonald presented their creative work. Annual Atlantic Hall. Cameron Smith had the privi- Rylie read her short story titled lege of being the first student to “Isolated Tower” which explores Undergraduate English represent Acadia with her essay the path loneliness can take an in- Conference titled “Seventeenth- Century Sex dividual down when paired with a by Rylie Moscato Positivity: Modern Sexual Atti- physically restrictive and mentally tudes in Measure for Measure.” demanding environment. Selena St. Thomas University Smith explored the implementation then followed moments later with (STU) hosted the Annual Academ- of modern-day attitudes towards her short story “All the Ways It ic University English Conference gender and sex in the Shakespeare- Finds Us”, a gut-wrenching depic- this past weekend from March 1st an play Measure for Measure, dur- tion of the realities of grief and – March 2nd where students from ing Friday’s only panel. The first how difficult it can be for an various universities around the At- day concluded with dinner and individual to cope with the loss of lantic met to honour and discuss open mic night at a local down- a loved one. each other's scholarly achieve- town café featuring student Tristan A successful conference ments. Acadia was honoured to Hopkins singing an amusing rendi- came to a close with a keynote send six students to attend the con- tion of ‘Barrett’s Privateers’ by from author and winner of the ference along with English Socie- Stan Rogers. 1988 and 2000 Governor General’s ty’s faculty advisor Kait Pinder. After complimentary morn- award, David Adams Richards, Acadia’s representatives had ing snacks and tea provided by who used his time to read some of an early start on Friday as they left STU on Saturday, panels for the his work and congratulate the con- campus bright and early to arrive day took place. Starting off the ference’s participants. The closing in Fredericton with enough time to day, presenting her essay titled “A banquet took place at STU’s lower register before the Welcome Re- Verray Parfit Gentil Knyght (II): campus offering delicious food and ception commenced in STU’s Gareth in Malory,” Margaret closing the conference on a high beautiful building, George Martin Finlay introduced the audience to note.

Acadia English & Theatre  Spring 2019 9  Authors @ Acadia  Sylvia D. Hamilton capturing an important section of the first film made by a by Rhea Davis local history. Her poems present completely female driven team the richly layered story of the set- in the Atlantic section of the On Thursday, October 25th tlement of African peoples in No- National Film Board. The film at 7pm, the incomparable va Scotia, through the embodi- opens with a song. Interestingly, filmmaker, author and Professor ment of various stories of early Hamilton revealed to the audi- of Journalism at Kings College in Black Nova Scotians as well as ence that this song was actually Halifax, Sylvia D. Hamilton, their descendants. The collection written years before the film was gave an inspirational presentation is extremely powerful as it offers released, using only the director’s in the Beveridge Arts Centre. an intense perspective on slavery documentary proposal as inspira- and true, raw, Canadian history, tion. The song captures the mes- Melville Island while creating a source through sage Hamilton is attempting to 1814 which heritage and culture can be convey perfectly. Music becomes Silenced by the snow they wondered if even God learned and kept alive for genera- a strong force throughout her had finally forsaken them tions to come. Furthermore, the work, evoking heavy emotion. audience was extremely grateful The captivating a cappella group, home a stone prison to be able to listen to a few ex- For the Moment, provides en- temporary officials say cerpts from Hamilton’s newest chanting and purposeful lyrics, we used to temporary piece which is yet to be named. revealing the lives and experienc- come in from the fields one day The second half of the es of black women in Nova Sco- to find out we been up and sold presentation was dedicated to a tia. The emotional documentary we invented temporary screening of the film Black focuses specifically on mothers, Mother Black Daughter, written, and their significant contributions when they line us up after they drag us researched, produced, directed to their communities. Many off them waterbeds of death and narrated in 1989 by Sylvia scenes involve Hamilton visiting we ready for a new kind of Hamilton. Amazingly, this was local mothers and daughters, temporary which helps the audience learn

nova scarcity seed potatoes turnip tobacco good crop in the fall now all froze to the floor

and if we still here in spring we try again ~Sylvia D. Hamilton

This marked the kickoff of our Authors@Acadia event, as the first of 4 presentations this aca- demic year. The night began with an impactful reading from her book of poetry titled And I Alone Escaped to Tell You. Hamilton, who grew up as an African-Nova Scotian and attained a degree at Acadia University, lead the audience in an insightful discussion

10 Spring 2019  Acadia English & Theatre and appreciate their upbring- editor, then he became a about their personalities and ing and their struggles, while publisher, and finally an authentic tales of past interac- celebrating their accomplish- author. After a few brief and tions. Each engaging tale left ments. There is an obvious comical remarks about his ex- the audience laughing warm emphasis on the importance of periences in Wolfville, he be- heartedly. The audience heard church as a community, the gan his coast to coast perfor- many familiar names including remembrance of Africville and mance, beginning with Thun- Margaret Atwood, Lucy Maud African Nova-Scotian herit- der Bay. Expressively, he lit Montgomery, Ralph Connor, age. Although their heritage up the room telling stories and Trevor Herriot. Many was devastatingly stolen, about central figures of Cana- were also impressed by the memory and culture survive. dian literature, all of whom he expansive variety of genres The narrator speaks to had published. which Gibson has worked in. the resilience of the women in The stories included the It was a pleasure to attend the the film and others in similar authors’ triumphs, and trage- presentation, and Acadia Uni- situations; older women espe- dies, as well as their relation- versity was lucky to have cially are described as essen- ships with Gibson; many he Douglas Gibson make a stop tial creators of the passageway referred to as close friends. here on his current tour of the of knowledge of culture and His presentation shared details Maritimes. heritage. Although the 29- minute film was released 29 years ago, it absolutely re- mains relevant; there is no ex- piration date on its undeniable importance. Hamilton men- tioned that some of the women depicted in the film have since passed away, and it is crucial that their inspiring stories and wise sentiments live on.

Douglas Gibson by Rhea Davis

On Friday, November 23rd at 3pm, Douglas Gibson captivated the audience with his entertaining one man show in the KCIC auditorium. The Scotland native’s unique presentation, complete with illustrations, imitations and music, was the second of our four Authors@Acadia events. Faculty, students and many enthusiastic community members gathered to hear about his second novel “Across Canada By Story”, which was coinci- dentally edited by an Acadia graduate. Gibson began by explaining that he was first an

Acadia English & Theatre  Spring 2019 11 Tatiana in Gaspra, 1902* explained that much of her inspiration is pulled from the Father’s flesh has faded from his bones— everyday, adding that she en- his second-to-last rites your last blessings joys living in Nova Scotia and in the duchess’s Crimean cottage, finds the environment very where sunlight bleaches out his lips, the romance stimulating for her writing of his hands curved process. The audience was about a desk, a notebook; under the stink of camphor, pleased to hear a piece dedi- the milky gaze and the refusal that have endured cated to the valley, along with his years and yours—canvases and suitors various new drafts which have the bewilderment of his ongoing. yet to be published.

There is no meeting without body: his spine a greased chain under onion skin, a wool coat, pupils blazing towards the adoration eight years down the road. Gratitude is now imperative: remind yourself that daughters don’t do anything for glory, and pray.

*After a photo by Sophia Tolstoy, in The Guardian, Feb. 10, 2014.

Annick MacAskill To close her presenta- personified the month as a by Rhea Davis tion, she urged aspiring writers woman. Other poems were to make friends with other responses to images the author On January 23, I attended writers, as feedback is essen- had seen or articles she had the first Authors@Acadia tial in finishing and perfecting read, delicately combined with event of the new year. This a product. Hearing poetry memories from her own reading featured a talented from its author is an extremely childhood. MacAskill Canadian poet, Annick unique experience, as the read- MacAskill. Her work is influ- er begins to understand the enced by French and classical context of certain stories, al- work, and her aim is to make lowing them to compare this music with her words while with their original interpreta- portraying a strong female tion. Fortunately, MacAskill voice. has another collection which She captivated the will be published by Gaspe- audience with a reading from reau Press and is to be re- her newest collection of poet- leased in 2020. Anyone who ry, No Body Without Meaning, attended this inspiring presen- beginning with a poem titled tation will surely be eager to “November.” This particular read it! piece used simple, concrete imagery interlaced with sym- bolic repetition, and a creative use of pronouns which

12 Spring 2019  Acadia English & Theatre Ian Storey winners and losers. She went by a exemplary works sparked the popu- by Rhea Davis pen name, so others she worked larity of the genre as a whole. Her with, as well as her parents, would historical novels are her most re- The last speaker of our not know it was her writing or be nowned, beginning in 1956. Storey Authors@Acadia series, Ian Storey, embarrassed by her content. These recounted their summaries, describ- engaged the audience with captivat- details were very telling of what ing them as a mix of fictional and ing facts and comical remarks, on writing as a woman was like in her real, driven by ancient Greek histo- February 27th. The professor spoke time, and how this discrimination ry. Many of her narratives are inter- of historical fiction, and more spe- and fear has since evolved. laced in terms of theme and charac- cifically the classical novels of Storey continued by ex- ters. Impressively, she was not a Mary Renault; many say her works plaining that Renault then moved to trained classicist; she was not a are the standard by which historical Africa with her partner, where she classical scholar. She taught herself fiction based in the ancient world wrote the last of her medical nov- through research, her own reading, should be measured. History itself els. These included a powerful and and art, in order to become an ex- often ties the author’s hands; how- moving story of a love triangle be- pert on ancient Greece while ful- ever, Renault stays true to historical tween three men in World War II, filling her desire to write. Storey which became recognized as the emphasized Renault’s belief that accuracy while simultaneously cre- th ating interesting and intriguing, great queer novel of the 20 centu- confidence is key to creating a be- well-received novels. Born in 1905, ry. Many of her works offer sympa- lievable text, and that it is crucial to Mary had a poor childhood, and thetic representations of same-sex avoid going far beyond fact; she struggled in her aspirations to be- relationships. She received thou- was through and through concerned come properly educated, being a sands of letters of thanks from gay with historical truth and wanted to girl. Amazingly, as Storey recount- and lesbian readers for the encour- be remembered “as one who got it ed, Renault read and taught herself agement they felt through reading right.” Unfortunately, she died of the entire works of Plato before her books. She was and is recog- pneumonia in 1983, but not before receiving post-secondary education. nized as a celebrated writer of her evidently daring creations over- She became a nurse and began to Queer Fiction, who allowed readers whelmed the literary world. Still, write medical novels. Storey de- to see themselves as more than just they are recognized and praised, scribed her as a great observer of a minority; Renault herself hated just as they were through the beau- life, which he said is transported more than anyone to be labelled. tiful representation Storey provided into her romances which typically She began writing histori- throughout his interesting and include uneasy endings, with cal novels in the 1950s, and her informative presentation.

‘

Acadia English & Theatre  Spring 2019 13 Christine Kendrick worked with four Department Retires Heads, Dr. Patricia Rigg, Dr. John Eustace, Dr. Jessica After eight years with Slights and most recently the Department of English and Dr. Wanda Campbell and has Theatre and 35 years working provided capable and cheerful What you leave behind is full time at Acadia University, assistance to countless not what is engraved in stone our Administrative Assistant students. Her many skills and monuments but what is woven Christine Kendrick is retiring. generous spirit have been in- into the lives of others. On April 8, the Department valuable to all those who have ~Pericles gathered at Troy Restaurant, worked with her over the owned by Theatre Alumni years and she will be missed. Daniel Franck and Wil Lang, When she retires, she is to celebrate Christine’s contri- looking forward to spending butions to the Department more time with her family with dinner and a gift of a which should keep her busy; mantel clock with Acadia’s she comes from a family of crest and engraved with eight siblings and when all Christine’s years of work at the generations gather, the Acadia, 1984-2019. clan numbers over a hundred! In her capacity as She also hopes to return to administrative assistant and hobbies she hasn’t had time Coordinator of the Acadia for including quilting and Theatre Company, she has drawing. We wish her well.

Christine Kendrick, Wanda Campbell, Coplen Rose, Kerry Vincent, Michelle Damour, and Kait Pinder

14 Spring 2019  Acadia English & Theatre At Acadia, Dr. Pinder teaches Canadi- an Literature and Theory. Her research surrounds Modernist Fiction in Canada, and she is currently editing a collection of essays on Leonard Cohen. Primarily, Pinder’s interests include how theory and fiction talk to one another, and how literature can theorize for itself. Kait is very happy at Acadia University, and feels extremely thank- ful for how welcoming and helpful the Acadia community has been throughout the course Welcome New Faculty Comparing Acadia of the year. She finds herself Member, Dr.Kait Pinder University to previous teach- continuously learning about the culture of the school and is by Rhea Davis ing experiences, Pinder enjoying the beautiful scenery expressed excitement about and small-town feel Wolfville New to Acadia this year, Acadia’s diversity and small offers, as it reminds her of Dr. Kait Pinder is an excellent class sizes, which allow pro- home. In conclusion, Dr. addition to the Acadia English fessors to truly engage with Pinder found the move to Department. Pinder grew up in their students. She spoke of the Acadia an easy transition, due Fenelon Falls, a small town in fourth floor, the English De- to the overwhelming support Ontario’s cottage country. She partment, as a family and a and welcoming attitude pre- completed her undergraduate close-knit community. Some sented by both the department degree in English and Compar- highlights of her year so far and the university and looks ative Literature at Western include teaching classes at dif- forward to the many exciting University, where she also at- ferent levels, and the unique opportunities tained her MA. Pinder contin- experience of observing how to come. ued her education at McGill, students of different years of where she acquired her PhD, study are incredibly inclusive also in English. Before begin- and have formed a community ning her experience at Acadia, based on similar interests. As a Dr. Pinder worked at Kings, professor who attended this Mount Allison, and McGill year’s AAU English confer- University, where she taught ence, she was offered an in English and interdiscipli- opportunity to witness these nary programs. Before coming authentic connections between to Wolfville, she lived in students who share the passion Halifax for four years. of writing.

Acadia English & Theatre  Spring 2019 15 Off to England the challenge of trying to deci- one of the Bodleian Libraries at pher the handwriting of nine- Oxford. Working with nineteenth In 2018, Dr. Patricia Rigg teenth-century authors – a task century manuscripts was an ex- was awarded a prestigious Social which I learned is much harder citing challenge, and I was fasci- Sciences and Humanities Re- than I thought it would be (have nated by the beautiful and vast search Council Grant of $67,266 you ever heard of “cross- resources these libraries had to over four years for a project enti- writing”?). Emily and I (almost) offer. After completing our work tled “The Anglo-French Literary mastered the art of the Tube and in the Manuscripts Room at the Community of the Fin-de-Siècle: walking with a tourist map on our British Library, Athena and I had Sexual Diversity, Neurasthenia, way to visit iconic sights such as the chance to explore London, and the Genius of Italian Poetic the London Eye, the Queen’s and we visited many amazing Forms in a Transitional sights, such as the Society.” SSHRC grant London Eye, the recipients are encouraged Globe Theatre, to generate research and the Natural opportunities for students History Museum. and in April 2019,Dr. I am very grateful Rigg took two students to Dr. Rigg and from the Department of the Acadia Eng- English and Theatre, lish Department Athena Grantwell and for this incredible Emily McClean, to do opportunity. research at the British Library in London (shown Dr. Patricia Rigg here), the largest national library in the world by number Walk, and the Natural History It has been such a pleasure of items catalogued. Museum. I am so grateful to have for me to work with these two been chosen to help with Dr. bright lights. They have enabled Athena Grantwell: MA English Patricia Rigg’s SSHRC project – me to cover far more research it was an amazing opportunity. materials than I would have done During our adventure in by myself. They’ve also been England, I had the opportunity to Emily McClean: BA English interesting and fun travelling explore the cities of London and companions. I’m grateful to Oxford, and to experience a new My week in London them for all the work they have aspect of academia by complet- working alongside Dr. Rigg and done and the pleasant company ing archival work with manu- Athena was an unforgettable and they’ve provided. This was a scripts in London’s British unique experience. As I am inter- “first” for me as well in being Library and Oxford’s Bodleian ested in pursuing a degree in able to take students along on a Library. It was a trip of many library sciences after graduating research trip. I’m very much in- firsts for me – my first trans- from Acadia, it was absolutely debted to SSHRC and to Acadia atlantic flight and train ride, and incredible to have the opportunity for developing English students my first time in the beautiful to work in the British Library and of this caliber. libraries of England. I enjoyed VOICE

The Voice of the 4th Floor BAC Department of English and Theatre is printed at the Acadia Print Shop. The online version and more about Acadia’s Department of English and Theatre can be viewed at http://english.acadiau.ca/ 4

16 Spring 2019  Acadia English & Theatre