Although she’s been dead for 200 years, Jane Austen is as alive today as ever for literature fans across the country. Every December, local chapters of the Jane Austen Society of North America gather to celebrate the birthday—December 16, 1775—of the iconic author. The society, fondly dubbed “JASNA” (jazz-nuh) by its members, usually commemorates the occasion with a simple afternoon tea for members only. But this year, The St. Louis chapter is teaming up with Webster University and The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis to bring the party to the public.
The collaboration was the brainchild of Sheila Hwang, English department chair at Webster and card-carrying JASNA member. As soon as she saw that Hana Sharif’s debut season as artistic director of The Rep would include a run of Pride and Prejudice, Hwang reached out to start the project, which she hoped would engage the public.
“I think it’s important for people to realize how the arts and humanities can enrich people’s lives,” Hwang says. “We know lots of people will come to enjoy the performance, but I wanted people to gain more meaningful connections to the literary, cultural, and historical context.”
The festival, which kicks off Friday, December 6, with The Rep’s production of Pride and Prejudice and runs through Sunday, December 8, is designed to do just that. Lectures and events on throughout the weekend will help listeners explore the culture, fashion, food, and more of the Regency Period, during which Jane Austen lived and wrote. The highlight? A Regency Ball complete with period dance lessons and a card room on Saturday evening. Also on the docket are tours of the Loretto-Hilton Center for the Performing Arts and the Saint Louis Art Museum. And chef Ginger Roth of the London Tea Room will be giving several baking classes, teaching people of all skill levels not only how to make traditional English scones but also about the historical and cultural significance of tea in Austen’s England. A complete weekend schedule is available here.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
What time does it start?
On Saturday, the lectures and classes run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a Pride and Prejudice matinee at 4 p.m. Saturday’s main event, the Regency Ball, starts at 7 p.m. On Sunday, the events run from noon to 6:30 p.m. You’ll have two chances to see Pride and Prejudice on Sunday, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Where is the event?
Almost all of the events will be on the Webster campus. The lectures and baking classes will be in Browning Hall (8274 Big Bend). Pride and Prejudice performances will be in Browning Theatre in the Loretto-Hilton Center, and the Regency Ball will be in the center lobby (130 Edgar).
Wait, what is a Regency Ball?
Named for the time period (1811–1830) when George IV ruled England—first as “Prince Regent” while his father George III was ill—the Regency Period is remembered as a period of indulgence and excess in the British monarchy. George IV spent more money than the British treasury had, often throwing extravagant parties with dancing and food to show off his wealth. This ball, which is open to anyone (much less exclusive than any ball George IV held) will feature dance lessons and music from the time period, and instructional calling by Childgrove Country Dancers.
Do I need to buy tickets?
The only ticketed events are the Pride and Prejudice shows, the baking classes, and the afternoon tea. Everything else is free.
Where should I park?
Visitors are encouraged to park in the Garden Park Plaza parking garage (568 Garden). The garage is free on weekends.
What if I’m busy this weekend?
Hwang and the Webster English department will have a special Pride and Prejudice book club and party to celebrate Austen’s special (244th) day. It’s free and open to the public, and yes, there will be birthday cake. That event will be Monday, December 16, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the conference room at Emerson Library (101 Edgar).
The Rep’s production of Pride and Prejudice will also run through December 29, and you can purchase tickets here.
