Saturday, August 17
Cleveland Public Library’s downtown Louis Stokes Wing Auditorium located at 525 Superior Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio.
In partnership with the Jane Austen Society of North America – Ohio North Coast Region, join us in celebrating Jane Austen, the person who arguably revolutionized English fiction.
We’ll be highlighting her continuing relevance in the 21st century with the screening of two movie adaptations: one traditional, the other a “novel” take on her story. Between the screenings, we invite you to enjoy a talk by Dr. Rachel Carnell, Professor of English at Cleveland State University, a specialist in eighteenth-century British literature.
Feel free to attend the day in your finest Regency attire!
10:30 am – Pride & Prejudice (2005)
Starring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen
This tale of love and values unfolds in the class-conscious England of the late eighteenth century. The five Bennet sisters – including strong-willed Elizabeth (Keira Knightley) and young Lydia (Jena Malone) – have been raised by their mother with one purpose in life: finding a husband. When a wealthy bachelor takes up residence in a nearby mansion, the Bennets are abuzz. Amongst the man’s sophisticated circle of friends, surely there will be no shortage of suitors for the Bennet sisters. But when Elizabeth meets up with the handsome and – it would seem – snobbish Mr. Darcy (Matthew Macfadyen), the battle of the sexes is joined. (2 hours 9 minutes)
2:15 pm – Dr. Rachel Carnell
“Jane Austen and the Ongoing Relevance of the Romance Plot”
3:30 pm – Bride & Prejudice (2004)
Starring Aishwarya Raiwith and Martin Henderson
A Bollywood-style update of Jane Austen’s classic tale, in which Mrs. Bakshi is eager to find suitable husbands for her four unmarried daughters. When the rich, single gentlemen Balraj and Darcy come to visit, the Bakshis have high hopes, though circumstance and boorish opinions threaten to get in the way of romance. (2 hours 2 minutes)
For questions, feel free to contact the Ohio Center for the Book at 216-623-2881 or email us.