Part of: Free activities and events, Christmas at Storyhouse
Presented by Michelle Pretorius
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas is one the quintessential songs of the festive season since it first appeared in the classic Hollywood Musical film Meet me in St. Louis in 1944. It has been a staple in every Christmas playlist and in countless Christmas films since its debut. Judy Garland’s rendition of this song is haunting in its intensity and brings the melancholic feelings of this season to the fore and was a symbol of hope and togetherness in a time when many young men were away at war. The repurposing of this song is telling in films in the twenty-first century to convey this same message of hope and togetherness. In this lecture the underlying message and perception of this song will be explored within two particular films, namely The Monuments Men (2014) and The Family Stone (2005). Garland’s stardom and her status as an icon in mid-twentieth century films played a tremendous role in the success and symbolism of this song, giving it particular narrative significance in films such as this.
Michelle is a lecturer, researcher and a performer of musical theatre. As a lecturer, she specialises in the academic study of musical theatre or contextual studies as well as vocal technique and coaching. Her research focuses on musical theatre within the realm of popular culture and celebrity culture’s effect on the field of musical theatre.
Lunchtime Lectures is a collaboration between Storyhouse and the University of Chester, providing an open platform for debate on a range of topics and fascinating subjects.
Our Lunchtime Lectures are videoed and archived for future viewing, by attending you give permission for us to do so – thanks!
16+
Approx 60 mins
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1 hr 24 | A unique look at the life of celebrated American author Patricia Highsmith based on her diaries and notebooks and the intimate reflections of her lovers, friends and family
1 hr 54 | Therese, a shop assistant in a 1950s New York department store, becomes fascinated by a beautiful and enigmatic customer, Carol.
1 hr 37 | After a chance meeting on a train, Bruno suggest he murders Guy’s unfaithful wife, while Guy disposes of Bruno’s hated father.
2 hrs 20 | Ripley is sent to Italy to bring home his acquaintance, the errant playboy Dickie. Seduced by the glamorous and moneyed lifestyle, Ripley becomes obsessed and slowly infiltrates his life
1hr 40 | In a windswept fishing village, a mother is torn between protecting her beloved son and her own sense of right and wrong.
1 hr 32 | AD | With help from Princess Peach, Mario gets ready to square off against the all-powerful Bowser to stop his plans from conquering the world.
This workshop will explore leadership, identity, communication, and employability skills through discussion and participatory exercises.
1 hr 28 | AD | Mummies is a fun family animated adventure that follows three Egyptian mummies who accidentally enter the modern world.
Let Storyhouse whisk you away to the ball this Christmas with a seasonal spectacular which celebrates the most famous fairy-tale of them all – Cinderella.
Put down that device and join us for some old-fashioned fun with boardgames in The Den! Will you be the Scrabble Supremo, the Jenga Jubilant or the Card Game King?