Join us for an afternoon of refreshments, games, and faculty talks to celebrate all things Jane Austen in celebration of her upcoming 250th birthday! 

Featured Speakers: 

Lisa Murphy-Nathans, Theatre Performance: "Directing and Acting Perspectives--Jane Austen's Emma"

 “If I loved you less, I might be able to talk about it more.”- Mr. Knightley

During Fall of 2024, Associate Professor Murphy-Nathans directed Jane Austen's beloved story Emma for the Clarice's mainstage season. Theatre is the study of humanity through the practice of authentic communication. During this talk, she will unpack a bit more of the behind the scenes experience for the directing process and open the floor to two current student actors who played the leading roles of Emma and Mr. Knightley in the production to share a bit more about their experiences working on a Jane Austen script. If time allows, this session will also include a brief Q and A. 

Julie Taddeo, History: "White Shirt Fever:  Darcymania Thirty Years On"

Thirty years ago, Colin Firth's Mr. Darcy emerged from the lake at Pemberley in the Regency equivalent of a wet t-shirt. This scene  in Andrew Davies' adaptation of Pride and Prejudice has been hailed as the "most watched moment on British TV." Not only did it prompt  doctors to diagnose Austen fans with "Darcy fever," but it has  forever transformed our expectations of the Regency hero on screen.

Ingrid Satelmajer, University Honors: "How to Play Austen: A Games Workshop"

Join us for some old games reimagined — and for some that are new! This interactive workshop will cover games that Austen and her characters played, as well as the gamesy ways that have since shown up to enjoy her novels and world. From Kickstarter campaigns to video consoles and UMCP student projects: it's time to play Austen. Come as you are — or dressed up a bit — and stay for as long as you can.