BCSC Study Day - Black Country: Stage and Screen Saturday 14 March, Black Country Living Museum
Join the Black Country Studies Centre for a day of expert talks exploring the performing and cinematic arts in the Black Country. The speakers will take you on a behind the scenes tour of the Black Country’s global contribution to music, theatre, comedy, poetry and film.
Josiane Boutonnet will be delivering a talk about Black Country Dialect and Humour and will present our Funny Roots project. Three or our Funny Roots volunteers will also be contributing to Josiane's talk and will deliver talks about social class, Aynuk and Ayli jokes and similarities between Black Country humour and humour within other ethnic groups.
This study day includes several talks and a screening in the museum’s 1920s Limelight Cinema, plus lunch and refreshments. Tickets cost £20 and can be booked online through Black Country Living Museum, via telephone: 0121 520 8054 or email: salesandticketing@bclm.com (Monday-Friday 10am-4pm).
What makes the region’s sense of humour unique? How did a Dudley-born lad become Hollywood’s highest paid director and help define a cinematic genre? What place does poetry hold in Black Country culture? How did a Black Country company kick start a rock ‘n’ roll revolution? These are just some of the questions that will be raised during this insightful, fun and informative day.
Confirmed speakers include (see below for provisional schedule):
James Laney – the Black Country’s rock and roll connections
Josiane Boutonnet – finding our Black Country funny roots
Dr Rob Francis – talking about poetry in the Black Country
Craig Denston – the life of Dudley-born Hollywood film director, James Whale
Dr Jefny Ashcroft – Black Country history and how it can make gripping theatre
Dr Sarah Whitfield – diversity in Black Country performance, 1900-1950
Provisional Schedule*
09:30-10:00 Arrival, registration and tea/coffee
10:00-10:15 Welcome and housekeeping - Dr Jenny Gilbert, BCSC Coordinator
10:15-11:00 Music – James Laney, CEO Laney Amplification
11:00-12:00 Humour – Dr Josiane Boutonnet, University of Wolverhampton
12:00-12:45 Lunch
12:45-13:15 Drama – Dr Jefny Ashcroft, playwright
13:15-14:00 Theatre and Variety – Dr Sarah Whitfield, University of Wolverhampton
14:00-14:15 Coffee break
14:15-15:00 Poetry – Dr Rob Francis, University of Wolverhampton
15:00-15:15 Move to Limelight Cinema
15:15-15:30 Talk on Limelight Cinema and short screening
15:30-16:30 Cinema – Craig Denston, Independent Researcher
About BCSC Study Days
BCSC Study Days are your chance to dig deeper into the Black Country’s past, present and future. They bring together specially selected speakers to cover unexpected and overlooked aspects of the region’s culture, industry, traditions and history. The days are relaxed and friendly, with chance to explore aspects of the museum and collections. They are ideal for anyone with an interest in the area who wants discover more and see the region from a fresh perspective.
*The schedule may change slightly ahead of the event. Attendees will be notified of any changes.
Black Country Studies Centre The Black Country Studies Centre launched in November 2018. The centre brings together researchers, museum professionals, educators and communities. It showcases the diverse heritage, skills, achievements and uniqueness of the region whilst creating meaningful pathways to education and lifelong learning opportunities. It aims to provide an identifiable vehicle to promote, influence and have an impact on the future of the Black Country.