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by Andy Moseley - reprinted with permission from the April 12, 2002, edition of The George-Anne Russ McDonald, Professor of English at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, recently led "Player Queens: Three Shakespearean Actresses," this year's installment in the Jack N. and Addie D. Averitt Lecture Series. The series was held April 9-10 in the Russell Union Ballroom. McDonald is a specialist in the works of Shakespeare and was educated at Duke University and the University of Pennsylvania. Prior to his time in Greensboro, he taught at Mississippi State, the University of Hawaii, and the University of Rochester. He has written many books and articles on Shakespeare. Tuesday's opening lecture, held at 7:30 p.m., began with Katherine Conway-Turner, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, welcoming the approximately 100 in attendance. The introduction was provided by David L. Dudley, Associate Professor of Literature and Philosophy. Dr. Dudley first introduced McDonald's mother, Joyce McDonald, and wife, Gail McDonald, who were both in attendance. He introduced McDonald not only as the night's special lecturer but as his best friend. After thanking those who allowed him to present the series, McDonald began the night's lecture on the first of three Shakespearean actresses, Sarah Siddons. McDonald said that Siddons was considered the greatest English actress of her time. She largely benefited from being the first actress of the print generation, as she was often mentioned in newspapers and letters. Siddons was part of a theatrical dynasty of sorts. Born in 1755, her parents Mary and Roger Campbell were established on stage. Her six siblings also had experience. Siddons first appeared in a play at age 11. She continued to appear in play after play as she grew up, easily becoming a star. McDonald noted that actresses are often considered to be interpreters of plays, and she was no exception. |
After a successful run at Drury Lane in London, where she was a member, Siddons chose to leave. After announcing at her last performance that she had three reasons to leave, she brought out her three children at the time. She would have three more as well as a seventh that died in its infancy. The decision to leave Drury Lane for a different company was money-based. In fact, McDonald said that Siddons was obsessed with money. As a child, she recieved ten pounds a year for her performances. In her second run at London, she received 10 pounds a week. Her contract was then upped to 12 pounds within the season. The next season, she negotiated a deal for 20 pounds a week. Finally, when performing in Dublin, she earned 50 pounds a night for 20 performances. Between her acting and her requests for money, she was always the talk of people and the press. While performing as Lady MacBeth in "MacBeth," she was always the star. She actually had a stalker at the age of 49. The lecture series continued at 10 a.m. on Wednesday with a discussion of Ellen Terry. Bruce J. Krajewski, Chair of the Department of Literature and Philosophy, provided the introduction. Later in the afternoon, a 3 p.m. lecture focued on Judi Dench and was introduced by Shawn Smith, Assistant Professor of Literature and Philosophy. This was the eleventh annual edition of the Averitt Lecture Series. It was established in 1990 as a gift to the Department of History, Department of Literature and Philosophy, and Department of Writing and Linguistics at GSU. Dr. Jack Averitt joined the faculty at GSU and became Chairman of the Social Sciences Division. In 1968, he became Dean of the Graduate School and held the position until his retirement in 1979. Mrs. Averitt was assistant librarian at GSU and was the first woman to receive Rotary International's distinguished service award. The week's lectures honored her memory. Ushers for the lectures included members of Sigma Tau Delta and The International English Honor Society. |
