This year celebrates the 200th Anniversary
of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice
and the inimitable Mr Darcy. Not to be left out in the cold, LLLKZN is
commemorating this auspicious occasion with a themed evening which includes
snippets of film; readings of extracts from the novel; a myriad of interesting
factoids about the period in which the authoress lived as well as providing a
glimpse into her life.
A new book The Real Jane Austen by Paula Byrne reveals that Jane Austen was
far more connected with the great historical events of her time than is usually
realized: her aunt, who had lovechild by Warren Hastings, was in India, and
passed on Indian gifts to the family: Kashmir shawls, fine muslin; spices. Her
cousin Eliza married a French nobleman who was killed in the Revolution. The
fiancé of her sister Cassandra died of fever in the Caribbean. So in an era of
colonialism and of revolution, of growing world trade and slavery, why did Jane
Austen avoid these topics and concentrate her didactic satire on matters of
rank and romance?
This is an opportunity for patrons to dress
up in period costume or merely a bonnet or an Indian shawl and for the gentlemen,
a cravat or Regency coat-tails... or bring along an artefact such as a coffee
cup or snuff box.
This is the first time that Colombo is
being utilised as a venue and there’s also the opportunity to gather together
over a delicious meal which ranges from an assortment of canapé platters and dips
to a chicken platter and vegetarian options topped with Vanilla Macaroons.
In addition there will be short talks on
the history of tea and coffee.
Facilitated by Charlotte Mbali (Chairperson
of Lifelong Learning), the event takes place this evening (April 22) from 18h30
to 21h00 at the Factory Café, Colombo
Coffee, 369 Magwaza Maphalala Street (formerly Gale Street). Entrance R200 pp More
information on 083 655 2415
Directions: Easiest route - Nicholson, down
Deodar, then along Umbilo, taking Gale St fork right, and on next corner left
is Braiswick Street, with lots of parking on left and also secure parking
inside Colombo gate on left.
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