Holiday Poetry Reading Planned Dec. 8

Holiday Poetry Reading Planned Dec. 8

12/02/2016 

Gregg Weatherby, a lecturer in SUNY Cortland’s English Department, will read from Dylan Thomas’ “A Child’s Christmas in Wales” and portray the poet and famous figure in literature on Thursday, Dec. 8, at the College.

Owen Thomas, who appeared in the children’s ensemble for the College’s 2013 production of the Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol — The Musical,” will perform as the young Dylan Thomas.

Dylan Thomas
Dylan Thomas is shown in the 1950s. Above left is The Boat House at Laugharne, the Thomas family home from 1949.

Weatherby also will read from other works by the Welsh poet as well as selections from Irish poet W.B. Yeats and English poet W.H. Auden.  

Originally scheduled for Dec. 1, the presentation will take place at 5 p.m. in Brockway Hall Jacobus Lounge.

The program continues the Cultural and Intellectual Climate Committee’s (CICC) yearlong series focused on the essential nature of art and imagination in society, titled “Art and Everything.” All events are free and open to the public.

The event also is produced by the Ad Hoc Theatre Collective, a local theatre group that first developed the “A Child’s Christmas in Wales” program. Weatherby has performed with the group.

The reading is dedicated to the memory of Robert Rhodes ’53, SUNY Cortland professor emeritus of Anglo-Irish literature.

Thomas was well-known for his dramatic readings during his lifetime, both on tour and on the radio. He is famous for poems like “Do Not Go Gentle Into That Goodnight,” “In My Craft or Sullen Art,” “Fern Hill” and “Death Shall Have No Dominion.”

Weatherby has written three volumes of poetry, Under Orion, Bone Island and Approaching Home.

His recent acting credits also include performances with the Ithaca Shakespeare Company.

“Art and Everything” is intended to examine the power and purpose of art across the disciplines.

The theme will facilitate and drive a wide ranging discourse that questions the function of art in our culture and examines the many ways art confronts current concerns of that culture, such as Black Lives Matter, gender inequity, climate change, gun violence, or growing economic inequality.

Spring activities for “Art and Everything” will be announced at a later date.

By holding an annual series on a different intellectual theme, the CICC committee aims to generate common topics of discussion and to establish traditions of intellectual discourse on SUNY Cortland’s campus. The series encourages faculty and staff to infuse the theme into their course curricula, engage in classroom discussions and debates around the theme, and propose campus events or speakers on related topics.

For more information, contact CICC co-chairs Scott Moranda, associate professor of history, at 607-753-2052 or Howard Lindh, scenic designer in the College’s Performing Arts Department, at 607-753-4101. The campus community is invited to visit @SUNYCortCICC to share their Twitter feedback on “Art and Everything.”

 


More News

Students determine fate of European nations. Sort of.

Students determine fate of European nations. Sort of.

SUNY Cortland students gained diplomatic skills in Belgium during a Model European Union project.


Crime does pay for mystery author

Crime does pay for mystery author

Former voice of Red Dragon football Dan Padavona ’91 now pens thrillers.


Cortland professional named to statewide civic engagement initiative

Cortland professional named to statewide civic engagement initiative

John Suarez is one of 10 academics across the SUNY system selected to deepen the role of civil discourse and civic engagement in campus culture.


SUNY Cortland extends admission deadline

SUNY Cortland extends admission deadline

Accepted students now have until June 1 to pay their deposit for the fall semester.


Campus plans Women’s History Month series

Campus plans Women’s History Month series

SUNY Cortland will celebrate Women’s History Month with several events during March.


Cortland to Host Elmira in NCAA Women's Hockey First Round Wednesday

Cortland to Host Elmira in NCAA Women's Hockey First Round Wednesday

The Cortland women's hockey team will host Elmira College in the opening round of the NCAA Division III tournament Wednesday, March 6.


Cortland men's hockey to play in NCAA first round Saturday

Cortland men's hockey to play in NCAA first round Saturday

Cortland to travel to Plymouth State University in New Hampshire for NCAA men's hockey first round on Saturday.


SUNY Cortland restarting male mentorship program

SUNY Cortland restarting male mentorship program

Senior James Escolastico is giving underrepresented students access to brotherhood.


Lieutenant Governor talks service with students

Lieutenant Governor talks service with students

Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado visited SUNY Cortland to gain student input for a new statewide initiative.


SUNY Cortland’s ESPN highlight gets assist from alum

SUNY Cortland’s ESPN highlight gets assist from alum

Rob Galm ’17 shines a national spotlight on his alma mater in his work as a content producer at ESPN.