Robert Louis Stevenson’s The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1886) tells more than one tale. A Gothic detective story, a Victorian cautionary tale, and a philosophical exploration of the “double” (a shadow lurking within us all) foment a novelistic perfect storm. Catherine Stevenson (no relation to RLS!) explores this psychological thriller and the Hartford Stage’s “spine-chilling” adaptation, and you’ll get more from both “page” and “stage” with our pre- and post-play discussions. First learn about the novel’s literary antecedents and a few of its 80+ cinematic and theatrical treatments. Then attend the performance, introduced by the Stage’s Artistic Director Melia Bensussen. Wrap it up discussing how the production dramatizes Jekyll and his Doppelgänger’s cat-and-mouse game. No fewer than four actors will embody aspects of “evil” Mr. Hyde. “To what lengths will we go to hide our true selves?” asks Jeffrey Hatcher’s adaptation. To what lengths, indeed? Join us and find out.
Catherine Stevenson, former academic dean for International and Honors Programs at the University, is the author of Victorian Women Travel Writers in Africa (1982) and many scholarly articles on English literature, theater, and women’s studies. In her 30 years at the University of Hartford, she served as a department chair, associate dean, assistant provost and dean of the faculty, and the Harry Jack Gray Distinguished Teaching Humanist. She received the University’s Outstanding Teacher Award and the Trachtenberg Award for Service to the University.
Made possible in part by the generosity of the Richard P. Garmany Fund at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving.
Lectures only: Tuesday, Oct. 22 and Oct. 29 | 2 p.m.–3:30 p.m. | Wilde Auditorium | $40
Performance: Sunday, Oct. 27 | 1 p.m. introduction by Melia Bensussen, 2 p.m. performance at Hartford Stage| $75 for lectures + performance
Register for Lectures and Performance
Brought to you by the Presidents' College, where we connect the curious through lifelong learning.
For more stimulating Presidents' College offerings, see our catalogue.
Faculty and staff are eligible to take one Presidents' College lecture for free every semester, or to receive a one-session discount ($20) for a longer course. Contact Laurie Fasciano at fasciano@hartford.edu or 860.768.4495.