Jane Austen Festival celebrates one of history’s most beloved authors
Wednesday | Nov. 13, 2019
The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Webster University and the Jane Austen Society of North America’s St. Louis region have teamed up to announce a Jane Austen Festival, running December 6-8 throughout Webster University’s campus.
Featuring a packed activity schedule that includes an incredible roster of Austen scholars, the event will celebrate and illuminate Austen’s writings, as well as the literary, cultural and historical world in which her stories took place.
The festival coincides with The Rep’s production of Pride and Prejudice, which will kick off the festivities with its opening night performance at 8 p.m. December 6.
“Generation after generation continues to discover Jane Austen and fall in love with her bold, charismatic female protagonists,” said Hana S. Sharif, The Rep’s Augustin Family Artistic Director, who will also direct The Rep’s Pride and Prejudice. “I cannot wait to experience this festival alongside the entire St. Louis community – from longtime Austenites to new readers.”
"Jane Austen offers something to every kind of person,” said Sheila Hwang, chair of Webster University’s English Department. “When new generations enter and enjoy Austen's world, they learn very quickly that she provides keen insights into people and their complex relationships – insights that continue to have relevance to our lives today."
The Webster University English Department, The Rep and the Jane Austen Society of North America are sponsoring this program in partnership with the Missouri Humanities Council (MHC) and with support from the National Endowment for the Humanities.
The MHC has awarded a grant of $10,000 to the Webster University English Department in support of the festival. The MHC is the only statewide agency in Missouri devoted exclusively to humanities education for citizens of all ages. It has served as a state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities since 1971. The Jane Austen Society of North America is also supporting the festival with a grant.
Here’s an overview of what to expect at the event. All events are free unless noted:
Friday, December 6
8 PM: Pride and Prejudice
Browning Theatre, Loretto-Hilton Center
Opening night performance of Pride and Prejudice at The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis. Join us for an opening-night party immediately following the performance. Tickets start at $28.
Saturday, December 7
11 AM – 12 PM: From Page to Stage
Browning Theatre, Loretto-Hilton Center
Learn about adapting a beloved classic and bringing the words to life on stage in a discussion with Rep Artistic Director Hana S. Sharif and Pride and Prejudice adaptor Christopher Baker.
Noon – 1 PM: Just in a Happy State for a Flounce: Jane Austen’s Economies of Alteration
Auditorium, Browning Hall
Austen enthusiasts are certainly familiar with her novels, but do they know about the author’s social and cultural life? Dr. Susan Allen Ford leads an exploration of both Austen and her era through Austen’s own interest in self-fashioning.
1 – 2 PM: Backstage Theatre Tours
Loretto-Hilton Center for the Performing Arts
Explore the Browning Mainstage, Emerson Studio, scenic construction shop, paint space, costume and props shops, dressing rooms, greenrooms and more to discover how the magic of professional theatre is created. Tours depart from the main lobby.
2 – 3 PM: Saint Louis Art Museum Tours
Visit the famed Saint Louis Art Museum for a special docent-led tour exploring portraits and other Regency-era works. Visit SLAM.org for more info.
2:30 – 3:30 PM: Tea Treats Baking Class
Kitchen Classroom, Browning Hall
Learn about the social and historical significance of tea in England and bake your own traditional English scones in a class led by one of the London Tea Room’s premier chefs, Ginger Roth. Limited seats. Tickets are $15 each.
2:30 – 3:30 PM: The Fashion Revolution in Jane Austen’s Time
Auditorium, Browning Hall
This discussion, led by St. Louis Community College Librarian and JASNA-StL member Cathy Reilly, explores all the details of Regency Era clothing.
4 – 6:30 PM: Pride and Prejudice
Browning Theatre, Loretto-Hilton Center
Matinee performance of Pride and Prejudice at The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis. Tickets start at $28.
4 – 5 PM: Tea Treats Baking Class
Kitchen Classroom, Browning Hall
Learn about the social and historical significance of tea in England and bake your own traditional English scones in a class led by one of the London Tea Room’s premier chefs, Ginger Roth. Limited seats. Tickets are $15 each.
7 – 9 PM: Regency Ball
Loretto-Hilton Center Lobby
Regency dance lessons, music, and instructional calling by Childgrove Country Dancers as well as a card room featuring whist, taught by JASNA-StL members.
Sunday, December 8
Noon – 1 PM: Pride and Prejudice and Performance
Auditorium, Browning Hall
Dr. Linda Troost and Dr. Sayre Greenfield explore the history and challenges of adapting Austen’s best-loved novel for stage and screen.
1 – 4:30 PM: Scholar Series
Auditorium, Browning Hall
Join us for one or all of these short 30-minute talks on all things Austen:
- 1:15 PM: Dr. Toby Benis, "Laughing at our Neighbors in Pride and Prejudice"
- 2:00 PM: Dr. Amy Pawl, "Mysteries and Misperceptions in Pride and Prejudice: How We Know What They Know."
- 2:45 PM: Dr. Kit Kincade, "The Evolution of George Wickham, from Scoundrel to Predator"
- 3:30 PM: Dr. Jennifer Frangos, "Lizzie Bennet's Legacy: Pride and Prejudice in Popular Culture"
2 – 4:30 PM: Pride and Prejudice
Browning Theatre, Loretto-Hilton Center
Matinee performance of Pride and Prejudice at The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis. Tickets start at $28.
4:30 – 6:30 PM: Afternoon Tea
Recital Hall, Thompson Music Building
Enjoy afternoon tea and treats while costume designer Dorothy Marshall Englis explains theatrical costuming and presents her stunning designs from The Rep’s production of Pride and Prejudice. Limited seating. Tickets are $25 each.
7 – 9:30 PM: Pride and Prejudice
Browning Theatre, Loretto-Hilton Center
Evening performance of Pride and Prejudice at The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis. Tickets start at $24.
