400 years ago the Mayflower set sail from Plymouth with passengers seeking a new life in America. In 2020 the city reflects on the historic voyage, the legacy of the Pilgrims, as they came to be known, on the land they left and the land they colonised.
This event draws together some fascinating displays of creativity that will feature in events and exhibitions throughout 2020, highlighting the University research that underpins them from arts, literature, history, music, performing arts and design.
Key partners in the city and beyond will also share their contributions to Mayflower 400, particularly in collaborative projects with the University, making this day an ideal occasion to hear more about the work taking place, meet potential contacts and collaborators, and learn more about key projects to get involved with.
Morning programme
09:30 | Arrival and welcome
10:00 | Mayflower 400: Legend and Legacy – Dr Kathryn Gray, Associate Professor in Early American Literature, and Jo Loosemore, Curator of The Box, Plymouth.
Interactive talk and discussion focused on some of the items that will be displayed in the national Mayflower exhibition, and that will be on show when The Box opens in spring 2020.
11:00 | Contemporary arts practice workshop: Confronting The New World – Still/Moving artists Léonie Hampton, Martin Hampton and Laura Hopes.
Léonie, Martin and Laura will open up a discussion surrounding the themes underpinning Project Speedwell's M400 commission.
12:00 | ‘Some Call It Home’: Dr Robert Taub, Director of Music at The Arts Institute.
‘Some Call It Home’ weaves a narrative of change in the American landscape against the backdrop of historical cultural clashes and contemporary global environmental concerns. Produced in partnership with Theatre Royal Plymouth, Dr Bob Taub offers a glimpse into the research that underpins this multi-media music drama that will take to the stage in March 2020 with a presentation and discussion.
12:30 | Lunch.
Afternoon programme
13:30 | iMayflower and Illuminate – Professor Chris Bennewith, Head of the School of Art, Design and Architecture, about the development of the Illuminate Light Festival, why
it is important to the future Creative Economy of the City, and its role in the
broader iMayflower project.
14:30 | PGR creative research practice – Helen Chamberlain, PhD in Creative Writing, and Beth Richards, PhD in Theatre and Performance.
15:30 | Wampum: Stories from the Shells of Native America – Dr Kathryn Gray and Jo Loosemore, will outline the significance of this touring exhibition and the unique nature of the partnerships that are involved.
16:15 | Mayflower Heritage Trails and the Elizabethan House – Professor Daniel Maudlin and Dr Alan Butler, Associate Lecturer.
Who is this event for?
This event will be suitable for anyone with an interest in the Mayflower 400 commemorations, including local partners, volunteers, those interested in history, literature, performance and heritage.
