If you feel that “There is a monsterous deal of stupid quizzing, & common-place nonsense talked, but scarcely any wit”, then we encourage to attend any or all of these events on Jane’s social calendar for “It is such a happiness when good people get together — and they always do.”
From lectures, teas, dances, and Jane’s Birthday there is something to attend yourself in the realm of a Janeite. Anyway, do not fret should you find yourself required to go alone because “from the whole she deduced this useful lesson, that to go previously engaged to a ball, does not necessarily increase either the dignity or enjoyment of a young lady.”
Memories are to be made and friends are to be had, “But remember that the pain of parting from friends will be felt by everybody at times, whatever be their education or state.”
See you there!
Members: Reservations Required – MAKE ONLINE
Readers’ Theatre: “Scenes from Northanger Abbey”
Members will read and dramatize select scenes from Northanger Abbey
Author: Bettye Dew
Known for its humor, dialogue, and gentle spoofing of the Gothic novel, Northanger Abbey is the story of young, guileless Catherine Morland and her journey from innocence to experience. This readers’ theatre presentation will offer scenes from the novel that illustrate Catherine’s growth—first, as she travels from her cozy village of Fullerton for a six-weeks’ residence in worldly Bath, and then, the plot thickening, as she arrives at Northanger Abbey, home of the Tilney family. Along the way, Catherine learns a few lessons about human nature, the workings of the world beyond Fullerton, and the differences between fiction and reality. And, oh, she also learns about love.
“If adventures will not befall a young lady in her own village, she must seek them abroad.” (Northanger Abbey)
Presenter Biography:
This program, while largely the work of Jane Austen, is an adaptation for readers’ theatre by Bettye Dew. Bettye has been a member of JASNA-St. Louis since 1980. She was program chairman of the 1984 JASNA AGM held in St. Louis and has presented numerous programs for the local region through the years. She particularly enjoys Jane Austen’s incomparable dialogue, a feature as delightful on the stage as it is on the page. Bettye has worked as an editor, as well as taught English, ESL and writing.