The Big Read and The University of Southern Mississippi will present “On the Radio with Edgar Allan Poe: A Live Theatrical Performance” Thursday at 7 p.m. in Martha R. Tatum Theatre.
Jennifer Brannock and Sarah Mangrum of University Libraries at The University of Southern Mississippi were recipients of a Big Read grant from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) in May.
“Southern Miss has a tradition of receiving this grant to benefit the campus and the local community,” Brannock said. “With assistance from (various USM departments) and the Hattiesburg Public Library, we are able to host the amazing events we have planned.”
Brannock and Mangrum received $10,000. University Libraries was one of 75 organizations to receive the grant, which totals more than $1 million, according to the National Endowment for the Arts.
The Big Read at Southern Miss encourages people to read, discuss and celebrate Poe’s writings.
“It’s really exciting and a wonderful opportunity to not only bring the campus community, but the Hattiesburg community, together to encourage literacy,” Mangrum said.
Managed by Arts Midwest and a program of the NEA, Big Read broadens understanding of the world, communities and people through the joy of sharing a good book.
Big Read activities are a result of collaboration between University Libraries, the College of Arts and Letters and the Library of Hattiesburg, Petal and Forrest County, according to the University Libraries web page.
Poems and stories by the commended master of mystery will be performed by the Department of Theatre with soundscapes produced live by students from the School of Mass Communications and Journalism.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity that students haven’t had the chance to have yet, which is to make a product out of the things they are actually doing in class,” Mangrum said. “It’s providing great active learning.”
Events kicked off in October at the Public Library of Hattiesburg and continued through November with book discussions, scholarly lectures, film showings and an art exhibit created by students in the graphic design program. The exhibit is currently on display in the Cook Library Learning Commons art gallery.
The live performance Dec. 3 is the conclusion of events for the Big Read at Southern Miss. This event is free, but due to limited seating, the public is encouraged to obtain tickets in advance.
For tickets, call 601-266- 4999, or visit the box office in the lobby of the Theatre and DanceBuilding.
The production will be broadcasted live on WUSM 88.5 FM.
