Sherry Simon to headline President's Conference Series
Concordia University is about to present the fourth edition of its President’s Conference Series –
Montreal: On the Stream of Languages – in partnership with the Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec (BAnQ).
The series, which will run through 2015, incorporates lectures, performances and discussions given by Concordia researchers on some of the more surprising facets of the unique city that is Montreal. All activities are free and open to the public at the BAnQ (475 De Maisonneuve E.).
The events reflect on Montreal’s fertile linguistic character, its polyglot and hybrid culture, woven of ideas, tensions and the richness of languages and learning that come together in the city.
October 27, 2010 at 7:30 p.m.
The Flow of Languages, the Grace of Cultures
Presenter: Sherry Simon
Staging and Direction: Michael Montanaro
From its very founding, Montreal has been a city of intertwined languages and cultures. Sherry Simon, a translator and a professor in the Concordia Département d’études françaises, offers a remarkable perspective on Montreal’s cultural and linguistic wealth, demonstrating that the common view of multiple linguistic solitudes is false.
Three modern literary movements emerged in 1940s Montreal – in three languages – English, French and Yiddish. Simon will demonstrate that today’s Montreal is a product of each of these separate linguistic movements, their translated and un-translated histories and relationship and the relationships created with the other identities that currently exist in the city.
For several years, Simon has advanced a novel reading of Montreal’s rich cultural and linguistic diversity and lays to rest the mythology of the two solitudes. She sees her city through the prism of language. Simon is particularly interested in the role of translation and writing in cities that are divided along linguistic lines.
On October 8th, Simon was awarded the André-Laurendeau prize in the humanities, by the Association francophone pour le savoir (Acfas), for her remarkable contribution to the promotion of Québécois culture and the French language.
Sherry Simon’s presentation will be directed by Michael Montanaro who has previously worked with the Groupe de la Place Royale, les Grands Ballets Canadiens and the Opéra de Montréal. Montanaro has also been choreographer for the Cirque du Soleil’s acclaimed show, Varekai.
Concordia presentations continue at the BAnQ until December 5.
Related links:
• Le Devoir interview with Sherry Simon
• Concordia Journal interview with Sherry Simon
• Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec
• President’s Conference Series
Media Source:
Fiona Downey
Media Relations Advisor
Concordia University
Phone: 514-848-2424, ext. 2518
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