Dr. Jo Alice Blondin, president of Clark State College will host a pre-show lecture on: If That Will Move Her: Portrayals of Women in The Great Gatsby beginning at 6 p.m., Tuesday, March 1 in the Turner Studio Theatre at the Clark State Performing Arts Center (PAC).
Blondin has generously shared her knowledge and insight of historical novels through various lectures she has given during past theatrical events held at the PAC.
“Having Dr. Blondin lecture before The Great Gatsby provides the audience a deeper dive and perspective of the classic novel,” said Adele Adkins, executive director of the Clark State Performing Arts Center. “She is engaging and makes the audience think in ways they might not have before.”
Blondin’s dive into If That Will Move Her will offer a fascinating look into the portrayal of women in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s, The Great Gatsby. Her lecture is based upon D’Invilliers’ short poem from the preface and title page and how it signifies and echoes many nuances of this classic story.
“My lecture will focus on the roles of women in the Great Gatsby, and I hope to provide some historical context and a close textual analysis of their motivations and actions,” said Blondin.
Blondin, who also has an extensive background in English education and an appreciation for literature said she loves getting back to her teaching roots.
“The PAC has provided me with opportunities to present perspectives on literature to the communities we serve,” she said. “I am deeply appreciative that I can spend—if only an hour or two—discussing what I love and what directed me into higher education: the study and love of literature.”
Following Blondin’s lecture, The Aquila Theatre Company of London will the present The Great Gatsby beginning at 7 p.m.
Aquila Theatre’s Desiree Sanchez has created a new theatrical adaptation of The Great Gatsby that speaks to how this book resonates within our current culture. Written in 1924, the story is a deeply moving and honest portrayal of class, racism and prejudice, painting a vivid picture of how the quest for the American dream in the absence of true equality can lead to devastating effects.
“Aquila Theatre is known for always challenging the norm and this production won’t be any different,” said Adkins. “This production has an African American actor playing the
Lead role of Jay Gatsby. I for one can’t wait to see how this changes the lens we see Gatsby through.”
There is no charge to attend Blondin’s pre-show lecture. Tickets for The Great Gatsby range in price from $20 to $35 (plus fees) and are available online at ticketmaster.com.
The Clark State PAC is located at 300 South Fountain Avenue in Springfield. All patrons, staff and volunteers are required to wear masks at all times in all areas of the venue, regardless of vaccination status.