The third annual Buechner Lecture, an acknowledgement of the sources and mission of the Buechner Institute, will feature Ron Hansen, novelist, essayist, and screenwriter. The day’s events are a continuation of a series honoring Frederick Buechner through a focus on the engagement of faith and culture.
The 2010 gathering will begin on Friday, January 22, with a performance by a professional drama troupe from Philadelphia, performing a play based on Buechner’s “Godric.” Events will continue on Saturday, January 23, with a discussion with Hansen after a viewing of the Brad Pitt movie based on Hansen’s book in which he chronicled the life and death of the iconic outlaw, “The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford.” Hansen will speak to issues of faith and fiction at the Buechner Lecture later the same evening.
Hansen, a member of the Buechner Institute National Advisory Board, is the Gerard Manley Hopkins, S.J., Professor of Arts and Humanities at Santa Clara University, where he teaches writing and literature.
"This is a fine opportunity for the community to see what we are up to at the Buechner Institute,” said Dale Brown, director of the Buechner Institute. “We are indeed excited to have a writer of Hansen's talent to carry on the tradition of the Buechner Lecture. Having the drama group is an added bonus this year."
The amazing range of Hansen’s work includes collections of essays, a novel on the personal life of Adolf Hitler, “Hitler’s Niece” (1999), a novel for children, and several screenplays. From the early westerns to his humorous novel “Isn’t it Romantic” (2003), Hansen has demonstrated enormous variety and artistry. His latest novel, “Exiles” (2008), tells the story of a shipwreck that prompted poet Gerard Manley Hopkins, S.J., to write some of his best work.
The play on Friday, January 22, will be on the King College campus in the Fine Arts Building. Doors will open at 6 p.m. Although there is no charge for the event, seats will be available on a first come basis. The play will begin at 7 p.m.
All of the Saturday events will be held at First Presbyterian Church on the west end of the King College campus. The film will begin at 1 p.m. with the discussion to follow. Hansen's lecture will begin at 7 p.m. For more information, visit www.buechnerinstitute.org or contact Dale Brown at 423.652.4156.
Published: 19.01.2010
