As preparation for her sabbatical journey to South Africa in August 2015, Reverend Mary Ellen Ashcroft and Spirit of the Wilderness Episcopal Church is hosting an eightpart literature/discussion series on South Africa at Cook County Higher Education from 6 – 8 p.m. each evening.
It is Reverend Ashcroft’s hope to develop a sister church relationship with a congregation she visits in South Africa. This study group is intended to prepare Spirit of the Wilderness— and any community members who would like to be involved—for that relationship.
Ashcroft has taught a course called Literature of South Africa at several colleges and she is revisiting some of her favorite facets of the course, such as books by outstanding novelists Alan Paton, Andre Brink Nadine Gordimer and J.M. Coetzee as well as playwright Athol Fugard. Participants will see two film versions of Fugard’s plays, one set under apartheid and one in post-apartheid South Africa.
The first evening on January 8 will offer a background to the literature and film of South Africa. Participants will watch Athol Fugard’s Master Harold and the Boys.
On January 15, attendees will discuss Alan Paton’s novel Cry the Beloved Country.
The study group continues on January 29, February 5, February 12, February 26, March 5 and March 12.
Participants do not need to commit to all of the sessions to take part. Reverend Ashcroft encourages all to join the study group “during the deep winter.”
For more information about the study group, contact Mary Ellen Ashcroft at (218) 387-1536.
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