9 Frankenstein Programs You Don’t Want to Miss

Leslie Klinger (Bloomington)

Editor of The New Annotated Frankenstein

Leslie Klinger, editor of The New Annotated Frankenstein, will visit IU Bloomington on Thurs., Oct 4. at 7 p.m. in the Lilly Library. Klinger is a renowned editor and annotator of such texts as Sherlock Holmes, Dracula, Gaiman’s The Sandman, and Moore and Gibbon’s Watchmen. In 2018, he was nominated for a special professional World Fantasy Award for his new annotated Frankenstein. While you’re at IU, you can also check out the Frankenstein 200 exhibit at the Lilly Library, a comprehensive exhibit exploring Mary Shelley’s life, works, contexts, and legacy. Learn more.

 

Jeffrey N. Cox (South Bend)

“Melodramatic Frankenstein: Radical Content in a Reactionary Form”

On Fri., Nov. 9, Dr. Jeffery Cox, Professor of English Literature and Associate Vice Chancellor for Faculty Affairs at the University of Colorado at Boulder, will visit Notre Dame to give a talk titled “Melodramatic Frankenstein: Radical Content in a Reactionary Form.” Dr. Cox is editor of the Norton Critical Edition of Keats’s Poetry and Prose (2008), the Collected Works of Leigh Hunt (2003), and The Broadview Anthology of Romantic Drama (2003). While you’re at Notre Dame, visit the Hesburgh Special Collections exhibits about Frankenstein. The spotlight exhibit, A Modern Prometheus: Balancing Science and Ethics, highlights images that have delighted and horrified audiences while illuminating the relationship between humans and science. A second display, Frankenstein 200, traces the visual depictions of the creature through the decades. More info.

 

Ball State University Faculty Panel & Theatrical Production (Muncie & Indianapolis)

For a double feature, visit Ball State University on Fri., Sept. 28 from 7-8:30 p.m. to hear from Professor Drew Vidal, creator and director of a theatrical adaptation of Frankenstein.  After hearing about themes of the “body adapted,” see the play for yourself at the Indianapolis Public Library’s Central Branch Auditorium on either Fri., Oct. 19 or Sat., Oct. 20. Learn more.

 

Victor LaValle (Indianapolis)

Author of Destroyer Comics

On Thurs., Oct. 11 at 6:30 p.m., Indiana Humanities is pleased to welcome Victor LaValle to Indianapolis Public Library Central Branch. LaValle is author of Destroyer, a comic series that reimagines the Frankenstein myth by way of Black Lives Matter. His most recent book, The Changeling, brings yet another horrific mythology to contemporary New York City, exploring the lengths to which parents will go to protect their children. The Changeling recently won an American Book Award and is being adapted for television by FX. Reserve your ticket.

 

Sarah Halter (Columbus)

“Tales from the Crypt: Body Snatching”

The director of the Indiana Medical History Museum, Sarah Halter, has a fascinating take on Frankenstein. On Thurs. Oct. 25 at 6:30 p.m., visit the Bartholomew County Public Library in Columbus to hear Halter discuss the history of anatomical education and body snatching in Indiana and the scandals, public outcries, and court cases that finally led to change. More info.

 

Jonathan Eller (Indianapolis)

“Mary Shelley’s November is Ray Bradbury’s October”

There is no shortage of connections to Mary Shelley’s classic tale. Visit IUPUI on Tues., Oct. 30 at 12 p.m. to hear about thematic connections between Shelley and Ray Bradbury through a talk given by Dr. Jonathan Eller from the Center for Ray Bradbury Studies. Dr. Eller’s talk, “Mary Shelley’s November is Ray Bradbury’s October,” highlights the anxieties about technology shared by these two authors and their views on what it means to be human. Learn more.

 

Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Faculty Panel (Terre Haute)

“The Ethical and Society Obligations of Engineering and Science”

Faculty from Rose-Hulman Insititute of Technology, a top-rated engineering university, will discuss “The Ethical and Society Obligations of Engineering and Science” on Weds., Dec. 5. This panel presentation is sure to provide important insights into responsible innovation and the role of the engineer in a technologically-advancing society.

 

Indiana Landmarks (Indianapolis)

“Frightful: A Silent Halloween”

Scary movies, scary music, scary lighting, a costume contest for monsters, and adult beverages highlight Frightful: A Silent Halloween in the Grand Hall at Indiana Landmarks Center on Fri., Oct. 26 at 6:30 p.m. Indiana Landmarks celebrates the 200th anniversary of Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein with screenings of the 1910 short silent Frankenstein, accompanied by University of Indianapolis musicians performing Professor John Berners’ original score, and the 1931 sound film Frankenstein: The Man Who Made a Monster starring Boris Karloff. Purchase tickets.

 

Marian University  (Indianapolis)

Frankenstein Masquerade

On Thurs., Oct. 18 from 7-9 p.m., visit the historic Allison Mansion on Marian University’s campus for a celebration of all things Frankenstein. Attendees are invited to wear Victorian dress and enjoy fun food while hearing excerpts of Victorian literature and viewing an exhibition of Franken-artworks created with inspiration from the Indiana Medical History Museum.