The Panther Prints January 16, 1996

Feature:

3

by Cindy Venema

Success is ours! ‘‘We few, we happy few, we band of brothers’’ (Henry V), managed to alert the nation of our victory! The Bardathon (12 hours of Shakespeare reading in the faculty lounge on Nov. 21, to raise $500 for the new Globe Theatre) was more than a financial success; it was a cultural and theatrical triumph for UPEI.

Our university , that usually makes the national news when it is receiving poor ratings, remarkably made coverage on CBC, ATV, and Compass. Professor Lindsay received a call from his brother in Toronto asking what was going on at our small university should catch the interest of our national information network. Talking to professor Shannon Murray, I learned that there were others who were amazed at our grand success, particularly the indi- viduals who participated in the event. However, is this due to all the influential persons that made an appearance at the Bardathon? In fact, many of these indi- viduals contributed personal recitations of Shakespeare. For instance, UPEI’s former president, Dr. Eliot, graced us with some readings; then later in faculty lounge by reciting from memory several of Shake- speare’s sonnets and speeches (I felt like I

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was in a scene from The Cosby Show).

Also, Anne Thurlow of CBC, David Daughton, and members of the Society for Creative Anachronism performed readings from their favourite Shakespeare scenes. And naturally, some Shakespeare-loving

_ professors came and contributed to this

worthy event (Richard Lemm, Glenn Palmer, David Milne and Ron Irving). And who did all these reading entertain? Well, they entertained the continual flow of interested students, faculty and guests that sat comfortably in the sophisticated atmosphere of the faculty

~ lounge. We even persuaded some of the

visiting students to participate. Congratula- tions on your show of literary courage Eric Chase, Emily Ledwell, and Wendy Venema.

The day consisted of tag-team readings of Shakespeare, where many people took turns showing off their favour- ite sonnets and scenes by this great artist. “*Time-outs’’ happened when the readers were united twice during the day to read a play by Shakespeare. Many of the readers were brilliant in their interpretations of their Shakespeare characters (which were designated per act by the luck of the draw from a hat), and the result was a lot of spontaneous fun.

The official readers of the Bardathon (I am sorry if I missed anyone) were:

"Tis beyond all reason! Mine actions at resolution; the scheme hath been set, 2 but for the course of these meddlesome youth!

The Liklle Known

PY 38.. SRR Y

Aemeyey ey ryder gyno

example of Shakespearean cross dressing), professor Geoff Lindsay (one of the head Bardathon organisers), professor Terry Pratt (another organiser, and an absolute delight to watch act), Janet MacDonald, Shanna Ramsay, Tanya Painter, Charity Becker, Laura Hansen, Haley Crane, Laurel Connell, Emily Smith, Geraldine Quinn, Sarah Underwood, Kersti Kass, Cindy Venema, and most importantly, professor Shannon Murray (the initiator of the who event). I must also not forget to mention the fabulous food that was avail- able! Haley Crane, Tanya Painter, Laura Hansen, Shanna Ramsay, Charity Becker and Shannon Young put on a wonderful feast of sandwiches, pastries, lasagna and vegetable platters. We ended the evening with champagne and cake, and Dr. Murray

gave a toast to sum up the successful event.

Cheers to a memorable day!

Now that I have elaborated on the cultural and promotional achievement of the day, I know that youare probably wondering what the financial outcome was (how much we raised for ‘‘the heavens’’ in the Globe Theatre -- the purpose for the

WE RAISED THE HEAVENS

event). We raised double the amount needed! In the collection box at the Bardathon alone we received $459.54, and from other donations, that have not been fully collected yet, we earned roughly $650, so a huge thanks goes out to all for the Bardathon’s sponsors and contributors. This event has been a success from all aspects. Perhaps we could do something like this again in the future.

Now UPEI should get two time- capsules buried in the Globe’s stage (every $500 donated gets a time capsule). The question is, what should we put in these capsules? Any suggestions are welcome, and can be shared with professor Murray. We should include something to show the victory that we won with the Bardathon, and years down the road our ancestors will know how our small school contributed to the timeless symbol of the Globe Theatre...

Old men forget; yet all shall be forgot,

But he’ll remember with advantages

What feats he did that day (Henry V).

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