On April 10, Jane Austen in Nederland will hold a ball in Amsterdam. I wish I could join them! The ball will likely be a rousing success for the Society has only 5 slots left! From these images taken at last year's ball, all the elements are in place for an authentic evening: costumes, setting, and the dances "cotillions, quadrilles, longways en contre-dances zoals Mr Beveridge's Maggot (below) (longway),La Boulangere, Shrewsbury Lasses(longway) en The Hole in the Wall(longway."
Inquiring readers: In honor of Raquel Sallaberry's contribution from Brazil, Jane Austen Today will be featuring blog posts and events around the world this week and next.
Wednesday, March 10
Monday, March 8
Jane Austen Street in Brazil
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Inquiring readers: Raquel Sallaberry oversees the blog, Jane Austen em Português. She lives in Sao Paolo, Brazil, and has frequently commented on this blog's posts. Recently I asked her to become a guest blogger and she graciously said yes. Jane Austen inspires people of all cultures, and Raquel embodies Jane's appeal and popularity the world over. This is Raquel's first contribution to this blog:
Rua Jane Austen or Jane Austen Street is a little alley, (as you can see on Google Maps), in the neighborhood Santo Amaro in São Paulo town, Brazil. It's a friendly place and almost strictly residential. I say almost, because there is a school for childhood education and elementary education named Santa Edwiges' (St. Edwiges).
Last December, I visited the place and talked with Mrs. Sueli, who maintains the school and received me very kindly. She told me that the first name of the street was Santo Antonio (St. Antony) and that she didn't know why the name was changed. I am very curious to know who had the idea of renaming the street in honor of Jane Austen, but I did not find this information until now.
As a tribute to dear Jane I have made a short movie – very short indeed! and took some pictures of the street.
Posted by Raquel Sallaberry, Jane Austen em Português
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Jane Austen Movie Throwdown - At the Oscars
I hate to, well, brag, but during last night's live Twitter chat during the Oscar Award Show, yours truly picked the 6 top winners. Which meant, of course, that I though Colin Firth and Carey Mulligan would not win. This week, I extend the JA Movie Throwdown by asking you to vote on their Red Carpet Appearance. Carey has the advantage in that she was photographed many times, and I could find only one BBC video of poor Colin, whose deliciousness seems not to be appreciated by the American press. It is nice to see him smile and a dimple appear in his cheek. (Update - I found a dashing image) I could not find Emily Blunt, nor do I recall her making an appearance, but Ive included Kate Winslet, who has become a fixture at these events.
To vote for your favorite Oscar gown, go to Enchanted Serenity of Period Films and vote!
Colin and wife Livia on the Red Carpet
Just found this lovely shot of Colin on the red carpet
Carey Mulligan (Kitty Bennet)
Kate Winslet played Marianne Dashwood
To vote for your favorite Oscar gown, go to Enchanted Serenity of Period Films and vote!
Sunday, March 7
Jane Austen Movie Throwdown
This week we will ask a two-part question. One today and one tomorrow.
Which of the two BAFTA winners stands the best chance of winning an Oscar tonight? Colin Firth or Carey Mulligan?
Colin Firth (as Mr. Darcy above) was nominated for Actor in a Leading Role, A Single Man
Carey Mulligan (as Kitty Bennet above) was nominated for Actress in a Leading Role, An Education
Saturday, March 6
Ten Things About Colin Firth
Mirror.com.UK featured an article: Colin Firth: 10 Things You Need to Know About the Oscar Nominated Actor. Among the tidbits: In a 2006 interview Firth reveled that the three women in his life were “my mother, my wife and Jane Austen.”
He also was mentioned as the Sexiest Man Alive in People Magazine in 2007.
Friday, March 5
Follow Friday: Jane Austen Addict
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Follow Friday is a tradition begun by Laurel Ann that I shall continue. My first selection is Laurie Viera Rigler's website, Jane Austen Addict. This site has more bells and whistles than my budgerigar's cage. Laurie, the author of Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict and Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict features videos, a blog, a chatroom, information about her books and tours, and all sorts of what nots. I love the purple and blue cover of the new paperback version of Rude Awakenings, and her many tidbits of information.Thursday, March 4
Old Mandeville Jane Austen Festival, March 6 & 7, 2010
This weekend, the Old Mandeville Jane Austen Festival will be held for the third time
in Old Mandeville, sponsored by The Jane Austen Foundation of Louisiana, Inc., a nonprofit corporation. The mission of the festival in Mandeville is to foster the fine art of letter writing.
We have concentrated over the first two festivals in creating an atmosphere that combines fun cultural activities keyed to the Regency Era in England in which Jane Austen lived and created what are universally recognized as some of the greatest literary works in the English language. But our goal always has been to create a genuine literary festival for the north shore," said Kerri Blache, a founder of the event and president of the board of directors. "Now, in our third year, we are putting more emphasis this year on the literary aspect of our project," Blache said.
in Old Mandeville, sponsored by The Jane Austen Foundation of Louisiana, Inc., a nonprofit corporation. The mission of the festival in Mandeville is to foster the fine art of letter writing.
We have concentrated over the first two festivals in creating an atmosphere that combines fun cultural activities keyed to the Regency Era in England in which Jane Austen lived and created what are universally recognized as some of the greatest literary works in the English language. But our goal always has been to create a genuine literary festival for the north shore," said Kerri Blache, a founder of the event and president of the board of directors. "Now, in our third year, we are putting more emphasis this year on the literary aspect of our project," Blache said.
For more information about the Festival, click on these links:
Wednesday, March 3
Jane Austen Overrated? Puhlease
Wanna see how a man can dig himself into a deep hole from which escape is impossible? Read John Blumenthal's (aka professional comedy writer's) paltry words in Jane Austen Overrated. Regarding her novels, he writes:
They all take place in 19th Century England, and usually revolve around the landed gentry or landed-gentry wannabes. The pompous blowhards that populate most of Ms. Austen’s books all spend their time knitting, taking walks, pretending to read books, having picnics, writing too many letters, gossiping, matchmaking (ineptly), and attending lavish parties, at which they engage in wooden dances, and wonder cluelessly why the person they “truly love” is boogying with someone else. - Yawn. Talk about clueless! This Neanderthal continues his *ahem* satiric post, attempting to cut Jane Austen's writing into pieces:
Let’s face it – there’s virtually no difference between Austen’s heroines. They all spend their time pathetically pining away for the haughty gentlemen they profess to love, men who are usually spoiled, affluent, and too dense to know that these whining, pouting women have schoolgirl crushes on them. At this point, Mr. Blumenthal has dug himself all the way to China (with England nowhere in sight):
So why are these books so popular? Simple. They’re all glorified romance novels that have somehow earned the cachet of being “literature,” although for my money, the writing is dull, stilted and plodding and the characters are ordinary simpletons in fancy costumes, but then I’m not the romantic type. If you don’t believe me, ask my wife.The redeeming factor about this drivel, which Blumenthal published on February 10th, is in reading the comments at the bottom of his post. Now, I'll concede that this comedy writer might have been attempting a satire of his own with tongue firmly planted in cheek.
What do you think, fair reader? Would you give a thumbs up for Mr. Blumenthal's acerbic wit? Or a thumbs down for his mealy-mouthed, lead-footed humor?
Tuesday, March 2
At the Morgan Library: Beth Patillo Reads Mr. Darcy Broke My Heart
Guideposts, the publisher of Mr. Darcy Broke My Heart, Beth Patillo's second novel, held a gala to celebrate the publication of the book at the Morgan Library on Madison Avenue, New York. In attendance was special guest, Jane Seymour, who read a selection from Pride and Prejudice. Beth Patillo read also, and chose a selection from her book. A video review of the event sits below:
At the Morgan Library through March 14 is the must-see exhibit for every Janeite, A Woman's Wit: Jane Austen's life and legacy
At the Morgan Library through March 14 is the must-see exhibit for every Janeite, A Woman's Wit: Jane Austen's life and legacy
Monday, March 1
Thank You, Laurel Ann
Laurel Ann of Austenprose has been my blog partner on Jane Austen Today since late 2007. She contacted me regarding PBS and asked: “Would you be willing to write a post about the upcoming Jane Austen Season for the PBS blog, Remotely Connected? Would I? I said yes in two seconds. I then invited her to become my blog partner on Jane Austen Today. Our talents meshed so well, that Jane Austen Today’s visitors rose by 300%. I cannot thank her enough. Sadly, Laurel Ann has had to move on, leaving me with the daunting task of filling her very capable shoes while continuing my own posts. Thank you for all your hard and lovely work, Laurel Ann. – Vic
Join Laurel Ann as she reads and writes about Sanditon on Austenprose, March 15-21.
Join Laurel Ann as she reads and writes about Sanditon on Austenprose, March 15-21.
Sunday, February 28
Jane Austen Movie Throwdown
Next time I visit England, I am definitely visiting some of the Jane Austen movie locations. Of the locations you have seen, which will take you off the beaten path?
Which Jane Austen Movie Location/s Would You Like to See?
Lacock has been the setting for Meryton in Pride and Prejudice 1995, Emma with Kate Beckinsale in 1996, and the recent Cranford series.
Remember the rain scene at the Temple of Apollo in Pride and Prejudice 2005? While the setting is inaccurate in terms of Jane Austen's description, the backdrop was wildly romantic for Mr. Darcy's (Matthew Macfadyen's) first proposal to Lizzie (Keira Knightley).
The setting for all Box Hill scenes in Emma is, well, Box Hill. Emma's ridicule of Miss Bates, Mr. Knightley's justifiable anger and disappointment with Emma, Frank Churchill's dubious nature, and Jane Fairfax's pain upon seeing Frank flirt with another woman. The views from this hill are said to be spectacular, and it remains today much as it was during Jane Austen's time.
Stanage Edge, Hathersage Moor, Hathersage, Derbyshire, England, UK
Stanage Edge, Hathersage Moor, Hathersage, Derbyshire, England, UK
Who can forget Elizabeth Bennet standing at the edge of Stanage Edge in the Peak District as she and the Gardiners traveled north? One might quibble with the end result of this film, but some of the visuals are stunning. This scene alone gave me a desire to see this part of England.
City of Bath
City of Bath
Jane Austen lived in Bath, which is also featured in Persuasion and Northanger Abbey. The Georgian center of town is a jewel and transports one back to the Georgian Era. The Jane Austen Centre is located in Bath, as are the Pump Room, Assembly Rooms, Molland's, and a host of other sites we associate with Jane Austen.
Multiple answers are allowed this week!
Saturday, February 27
Private Lives with Matthew MacFadyen and Kim Cattrall
Mail Online showcases Kim Cattrall in an article about Private Lives. Directed by National Theatre former boss Richard Eyre, it's the tale of a divorced couple who discover they have adjoining rooms while honeymooning with their new spouses. It's a comedy that crackles with wit and sexual tension - like a rock of ice in a dry martini.
Cattrall, who famously plays Samantha in hit US TV and film franchise Sex And The City, last appeared on the London stage in 2006 when she starred in The Cryptogram at the Donmar Warehouse. She had made her West End debut a year earlier in the Peter Hall-directed Whose Life Is It Anyway? A native of Liverpool who has spent most of her professional acting career on the other side of the Atlantic, Cattrall’s other screen credits include Porky’s, Mannequin, Big Trouble In Little China and the upcoming Roman Polanski thriller The Ghost. - Official London Theatre Guide
Macfadyen’s last London outing came in 2007’s The Pain And The Itch at the Royal Court, having previously played Prince Hal in the National Theatre’s production of Henry IV. A regular screen face, Macfadyen played Mr Darcy in the 2005 film adaptation of Pride And Prejudice, opposite Keira Knightley, who is soon to be seen on the London stage in The Misanthrope. Macfadyen’s other credits include hit spy drama Spooks, Dickens adaptation Little Dorrit and the upcoming Ridley Scott-directed film Robin Hood, in which he plays the Sheriff of Nottingham. - Official London Theatre Guide
Private Lives, Vaudeville Theatre, London, from 24 February.
Cattrall, who famously plays Samantha in hit US TV and film franchise Sex And The City, last appeared on the London stage in 2006 when she starred in The Cryptogram at the Donmar Warehouse. She had made her West End debut a year earlier in the Peter Hall-directed Whose Life Is It Anyway? A native of Liverpool who has spent most of her professional acting career on the other side of the Atlantic, Cattrall’s other screen credits include Porky’s, Mannequin, Big Trouble In Little China and the upcoming Roman Polanski thriller The Ghost. - Official London Theatre Guide
Macfadyen’s last London outing came in 2007’s The Pain And The Itch at the Royal Court, having previously played Prince Hal in the National Theatre’s production of Henry IV. A regular screen face, Macfadyen played Mr Darcy in the 2005 film adaptation of Pride And Prejudice, opposite Keira Knightley, who is soon to be seen on the London stage in The Misanthrope. Macfadyen’s other credits include hit spy drama Spooks, Dickens adaptation Little Dorrit and the upcoming Ridley Scott-directed film Robin Hood, in which he plays the Sheriff of Nottingham. - Official London Theatre Guide
Private Lives, Vaudeville Theatre, London, from 24 February.
Friday, February 26
Follow Friday: Megan of Write Meg Blog
A self professed fearless blogger, Megan of Write Meg Blog would make Miss Austen proud. As a “writer, reader, editor, daughter, bookseller, sister, friend, amateur photographer, crafter, Anglophile and dog lover” she and Jane share a lot in common including a wicked sense of humor, an incredible talent at observation and crafting a good story. She never ceases to amaze me and quite frequently makes me laugh out loud.Meg’s book reviews are outstanding. In addition to her fondness for Miss Austen and the sequels that she has inspired, Meg loves to read chick lit and is proud of her penchant for pink covers. Her recent post on her passion for pink is hilarious.
You can also follow Megan on Twitter as @writemeg as she tweets about books, pumpkin spice lattes and the serendipity of life.
Visit Megan at her wondrous Write Meg Blog
Enjoy! Laurel Ann, Austenprose
Thursday, February 25
Pride and Prejudice Disney-ized
Tee hee. I especially like the added rain effect in the proposal scene. Thanks to FeatherGoblinfly at YouTube for this very funny and clever video.
Cheers, Laurel Ann, Austenprose
Wednesday, February 24
Dawn of the Dreadfuls Author at UNC
Steve Hockensmith, the author of the new prequel to Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, visited the University of North Carolina to speak at the Collaborations: Humanities, Arts & Technology festival. On his website, Hockensmith (pictured at right) described his work history in a way that made one realize he was the perfect candidate to write Dawn of the Dreadfuls. Hockensmith has worked as an entertainment journalist, covering "pop culture and the film industry for The Hollywood Reporter, The Chicago Tribune, The Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Newsday, Total Movie and other publications. He spent a year as editor of The X-Files Official Magazine (thus explaining his morbid fear of David Duchovny) and more than three years as editor of Cinescape, a nationally distributed bimonthly magazine devoted to movies in which things explode (i.e., science fiction or action films or anything produced by Jerry Bruckheimer)."Speaking about his part in writing Dawn of the Dreadfuls, to be released on March 3, Hockensmith pointed out that he did not attempt to mimic Jane Austen. "I just can’t imagine anything more painful for me or for the reader than me trying to sound like Jane Austen." - Emily Stephenson, The Daily Tar Heel, Feb 18, 2010
Jason Rekulak (at right), associate publisher and creative director at Quirk Books, also spoke at the event. It was Jason who came up with the idea of P&P& Zombies when watching YouTube videos:
"He said he made a list of classic novels in the public domain — anything published before 1923 is considered public property. Down the other side of the page, he listed additions that could make the stories more interesting — robots, ninjas, pirates and monkeys.
He drew a line between the novels and the monster additions. As soon as he linked “Pride and Prejudice” to the word “zombies,” Rekulak knew he had found something." - The Daily Tar Heel
"He said he made a list of classic novels in the public domain — anything published before 1923 is considered public property. Down the other side of the page, he listed additions that could make the stories more interesting — robots, ninjas, pirates and monkeys.
He drew a line between the novels and the monster additions. As soon as he linked “Pride and Prejudice” to the word “zombies,” Rekulak knew he had found something." - The Daily Tar Heel
So, how well did Pride and Prejudice and Zombies do? Since its debut in Arpil 2009, over one million copies of the book have been printed. It debuted at No. 3 on the New York Times Best Sellers list and spent more than 40 weeks there. And as all readers of this blog already know, Natalie Portman is slated to star as Elizabeth Bennet, zombie slayer, in the movie. Click on The Daily Tar Heel link above (on which this article is based) for more about the UNC talk.
Tuesday, February 23
Elliot Cowan as Macbeth
From Playbill: London's Shakespeare's Globe has announced the casting for the 2010 season. Elliot Cowan will play the title role in a new production of Macbeth that launches the season, opposite Laura Rogers as Lady Macbeth. Cowan, who was last seen on the London stage as Stanley Kowalski in the Donmar Warehouse's production of A Streetcar Named Desire opposite Rachel Weisz, also previously appeared at the Donmar in Michael Grandage's original production of Frost/Nixon, which subsequently transferred to the Gielgud. Other theatre credits include The Revenger's Tragedy (National Theatre) and Don Carlos (Sheffield Theatres and Gielgud Theatre, London). His screen credits include playing Mr. Darcy in the TV drama series "Lost in Austen" and the films "The Golden Compass," "Happy Go Lucky" and "Alexander."
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