For Immediate Release — Tuesday, October 4, 2005
Contact:
Mary E. McCrank
Media Relations Officer
(585) 245-5516
SUNY Geneseo Celebrates 400th
Anniversary of Don Quixote
GENESEO, N.Y. — The State University of New York at
Geneseo will celebrate the 400th anniversary of the publication of
the world's first modern novel, "Don Quijote de la Mancha," with a series of
events in October.
The Spanish faculty of the foreign languages and literatures
department have organized this program to celebrate the anniversary of the
first edition of the publication of the first part of "Don Quijote." The first
edition was printed in Madrid on Dec. 20, 1604, and reached the public on Jan.
6, 1605. The novel quickly became very popular around the world. Today, the
book is the second-most published and translated book in the world; only the
Bible is more published and translated.
"The impact of Don Quixote was immediate, wide-ranging and
enduring. Not only literature, but all other forms of artistic expression, such
as the visual arts, music, the theater, and most recently, film, have adapted
or adopted the themes and the art of Cervantes Saavedra's picaresque and
satirical model," said Rose McEwen, associate professor of Spanish, coordinator
of the Latin American Studies Program and faculty fellow for international
programs.
"Don Quixote's imaginative subject and Saavedra's masterful
writing may account for the text's popularity back in the 17th
century. However, its sustained relevance—throughout the times and across
cultures and languages—bestows upon it, in my opinion, one of Don
Quixote's most imposing strengths. Who knows? Perhaps its significance may be
eternal. After all, Cervantes seems to have embodied in the contrasting
characters of Don Quixote and his sidekick, Sancho Panza, the quintessential
struggle that epitomizes the human spirit: idealism versus realism."
All of the SUNY Geneseo events are free and open to the
public. Reservations to guarantee seating are highly recommended and may be
made by e-mailing dominguez@geneseo.edu.
Here is a list of events:
Program opening, symposium and art exhibit, 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 18, Harding Lounge, Welles
Hall 111.
6:40 p.m., Welles Hall 121
Keynote address: "The Sexual Economy of 'Don Quijote,' Part
I: Dorotea and the Gallery of Slaves" by Robert Ter Horst, University of
Rochester professor emeritus of Spanish.
7:10 p.m., Welles Hall 121
"Marcela y Maritornes:
Dos visiones del 'yo' femenino" by Joaqu’n G—mez, assistant professor of
Spanish, who also is coordinating the symposium.
7:30-7:45 p.m., Harding Lounge, Welles Hall 111
Intermission and refreshments.
7:45 p.m., Welles Hall 123
Student Panel: Students whose papers were selected by a
panel of Spanish faculty will read their work. Maria Lima, associate professor
of English, will moderate the panel. Presenting are: Laura Mazurkiewicz, a
sophomore speech and hearing handicapped major from Cheektowaga, N.Y., and
author of "Telling Images or Telling Facts?"; Amanda Serianni, a sophomore
musical theatre major from New Hartford, N.Y., and author of "Have a Feminist
Sandwich"; and Catherine Ward, a sophomore from Richfield Springs, N.Y., and
author of "A Feminist Don Quixote?"
Krissy Wolcott, a senior art studio major from Oakfield,
N.Y., will be recognized for her winning entry in a design competition coordinated
by Sandra Mulryan, assistant professor of Spanish. Doug Anderson, associate
professor of art, and Dan Dezarn, assistant professor of art, collaborated with
program organizers by encouraging students to submit original art design to
promote the college's celebration. Wolcott will be awarded a gift certificate
to Sundance Books. All entries will be exhibited in the Harding Lounge (Welles
111) during the symposium. The artwork will then be displayed until the end of
the semester in the language laboratory and the department's lobby.
The Readings of Don Quixote-Don Quijote, 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 19, Wadsworth Auditorium
(Wadsworth 21). Advanced-level Spanish language students will read noteworthy
excerpts of "Don Quijote" in Spanish and in English. Coordinated by Cristina
Rowley, assistant professor of Spanish.
"Don Quijote de la Mancha" (Don Quixote of La Mancha), 7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 20, Bailey Auditorium (Bailey
Hall 135)
A superb transformation to the screen of the great literary
classic by Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, this 180-minute film was produced in
Spain. Starring the irreplaceable Fernando Rey, the journeys and adventures of
Don Quixote and his squire, Sancho Panza, are exquisitely filmed in this
acclaimed 1991 production by Televisi—n Espa–ola.
This is part of the foreign languages and literatures department's celebration
commemorating the Alan Lutkus International Film Series fall program. In
Spanish, with English subtitles.
Felisa Brea, a lecturer of Spanish, will serve as the film's
discussant. A discussion, question-and-answer period will follow the screening.
"Representation: El Viejo celoso," 7 p.m., Friday, Oct. 21, Sturges Auditorium (Sturges
Hall 219). Department students enrolled in a directed study course led by Rose
McEwen will stage the comic entremŽs, "El viejo celoso," a short play by
Cervantes Saavedera.
Art Exhibit at Milne Library
In addition, Milne Library will display an art exhibit about
Don Quixote throughout October. Albert and Shirleen Askenazi of El Paso, Texas,
have generously loaned 20 pieces of their collection of El Quixote iconography
and artwork to Milne Library. The couple began collecting artworks 35 years ago
and have more than 130 items inspired by Cervantes and other themes from his
book. Cristina Rowley is coordinating the display.
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