Literary Salon: Speaking for the Past – Composing Historical Scripts

Literary Salon - Speaking for the Past First-person historical interpretation is a powerful and impactful teaching tool for groups of all ages, and is an effective way of engaging modern students with aspects of the past which can be difficult to grasp. Composing accurate scripts presents different challenges, particularly if the subject is a person who had been historically silenced. In this Literary Salon, historical interpreters Valerie Davis and Debbie Phillips will present on the processes of accurate script-writing and portrayal, particularly for women and persons of color, who are often silent in the written record.

WHEN: Thursday, November 8, 2018, 7 pm – 9 pm

WHERE: Patrick Henry Pub & Grille in the upstairs salon; 2300 East Broad Street in Historic Church Hill

COST: Free and open to the public (no ticket required)

SPEAKERS

Valerie Davis is a gifted storyteller and actress whose powerful presentation “From Tragedy to Triumph: the Martha Ann Fields Story” has been shared with dozens of schools and churches to critical acclaim. She was written and starred in many One Woman shows, highlighting issues like domestic violence and also celebrating the bravery of women of color throughout history. Her workshops on storytelling are enlightening, and she has dedicated her work to the memory of her mother, Margaret A. Davis (“Queen Margaret”).

Debbie Phillips is a local historian and regional tour guide who has been composing historical scripts for nine years. Her characters include Eliza Poe, Edgar’s birth mother; Elmira Shelton, Poe’s first and last love; Patrick Henry’s eldest child Patsey Henry Fontaine; Sally Tompkins, Captain of the Confederacy; Martha Washington, and more. Debbie manages public programs and rentals at the Edgar Allan Poe Museum in Shockoe Bottom, and enjoys engaging the public with history in unique and interactive ways.

What is your favorite James River Writers event?

James River Writers Annual Writing Conference

JRW’s signature event connects Central Virginia’s growing literary community with nationally recognized authors, editors, agents, bloggers, and other players in the publishing world.

This casual meet and greet, held the second Wednesday of every month at Ardent Craft Ales in Scott’s Addition, brings together writers of every genre in a casual atmosphere to connect, laugh, and revel in a well-deserved break from keyboards and screens.

Master Classes, where skilled publishing professionals share their knowledge and experience with a small group of writers, are offered at different times and on various topics throughout the year.

In partnership with the Poe Museum, we recreate the grand tradition of the literary salon, an intimate setting to meet and fraternize with local authors and artists, as they in turn guide you in your own writing practice. Literary Salons are held several times a year at the Patrick Henry Pub in historic Church Hill, and are free and open to the public.

Educational and interactive, The Writing Show brings you the art and business of writing from the professionals. It’s inspiring. It’s fun. And it’s only happening live in Richmond.

Writers Farmhouse welcomes members of JRW and other writing enthusiasts to the Midlothian Urban Farmhouse Market & Café every Thursday evening. Bring your laptop or other writing paraphernalia, hang out, get a cup of coffee, get some words written, set your writing goals for the week, and, when needed, find a sympathetic ear.

What is James River Writers all about?

James River Writers builds community by connecting and inspiring writers and readers in central Virginia. We invite you to join our mission by becoming a member or a donor today.

Literary Salon: Speaking for the Past – Composing Historical Scripts

SPEAKERS

What is your favorite James River Writers event?

What is James River Writers all about?

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