The 19th Annual Oklahoma Literary Arts Festival, hosted by the East Central University Department of English and Languages and the Center of Continuing Education and Community Services, is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 6, at the Hallie Brown Ford Fine Arts Center as part of the Scissortail Arts Series.
The Oklahoma Literary Arts Festival offers, for high school students and teachers, a series of workshops provided by members of the ECU English faculty and guest artists from 9 a.m. to 11:50 a.m., followed by the keynote presentation of “My Name is Rachel Corrie,” being performed by the ECU Theatre at noon.
First performed at the Royal Court Theatre in London in 2005, “My Name is Rachel Corrie,” edited by Alan Rickman and Katherine Viner, is constructed from the emails and diary entries of Rachel Corrie, a young American college student whose passion and activism led her to Gaza to stand up for families whose voices were lost in war.
On March 16, 2003, as she stood in peaceful protest in front of a Palestinian home to prevent its demolition, an Israeli Army bulldozer crushed her to death. This play captures the life and passion of a young woman, who despite her tragic end, can still teach us all about the messiness of life and love and the importance of standing up for one’s beliefs for one another.
Space is limited for the early sessions so early registration is encouraged. The registration deadline is Wednesday, Oct. 29. For more information call Charlee Lanis at 580-559-5457 or Dr. Teresa Rothrock at 580-559-5439.
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