By Linda Darden
JASNA NC region members who attended the Annual General Meeting shared and compared their experiences in the November 12 meeting. First time attendees, virtual attendees and others who participated on location in Denver, Colorado provided a summary of highlights and perspectives.
Judy opened the presentation with a description of the virtual AGM option. This option emerged with the COVID-related cancellation of the Cleveland AGM (Side-note: we’re looking forward to Cleveland as the host city next year!). Each year since then, a virtual AGM option has been offered, with the functionality and quality of experience improving each year. Judy shared that the virtual participant experience included livestream and recorded options, all from the comfort of home. The plenary sessions were all available to view as a live-stream as well as a nice blend of selections from each concurrent session group. Overall, the event was well organized, the platform was impressive, and this option offered a solid experience for those who could not attend in-person. One caveat offered – high speed internet was needed in order to get the full benefit.
Sharing the AGM experience from a first timer’s perspective, Kirk (pardon – Admiral Kirk) provided impressions of a first-time attendee. The travel, altitude adjustment, the many offerings, and trying to squeeze in some local touring made for a long event that could be tiring for some. With that in mind, he suggested that trying to participate in all the Thursday options might be a bit ambitious. At the same time the pre-conference events and the first-timer sessions are a great way to meet other attendees and build connections. While the Gaylord resort was lovely, several participants missed the option to take walking tours around a downtown area. Regardless, Kirk is looking forward to attending the upcoming AGMs, and you can enjoy the adventures of Flat Jane from Kirk below.
As a more experienced attendee Karin highlighted her favorite concurrent session which focused on the process and challenges of translating Austen’s works into other languages, in this case Portuguese. With regard to translating a work into another language, the presenter pointed out that each reader of a work is in effect translating that into their own understanding. A translator then has the additional challenge of converting that understanding into another language, that in many cases offers shades of meaning that aren’t aligned with the original language. The lack of equivalent words, the use of formal versus informal tone and pronouns, and the challenges of historical language versus current terms all require additional consideration as the translation is being conducted. Wrapping up, Karin shared photos of some of the beautiful gowns and costumes that were worn at the events by JASNA-NC member and avid cosplayer, Julia, shown below.
Chris was the last presenter and another first time attendee. As someone who attends scientific and work-related conferences on a regular basis, Chris enjoyed being able to relax and learn from the sessions. Chris does not consider himself a Janeite and noted that the sessions include many references that can be lost on those unfamiliar with Austen’s life and writings. On the other hand, the wide range of speakers and topics included many (ex: Divorce in the Regency) that are very accessible to all. Another highlight noted was the special session Being Mr. Wickham – not only was Adrian Lukis charming in the Q&A portion but the recording of the play was very entertaining. Additional sessions explored using current media, such as TikTok and Instagram to teach Austen to new generations.
The group shared other favorite sessions, with NC’s Inger Brodey, Carolyn Brown, and Sue Scott mentioned as some that were enjoyed by attendees and which we hope to capture locally in future sessions. A hearty thanks to all of our AGM attendees for sharing their experiences and perspectives!
Next Up
We are delighted to celebrate Jane Austen’s birthday December 10, 2023 with “Everything a Janeite Needs to Know” with Sue Scott. We’ll be hybrid for this meeting, with an in-person gathering at Gisele’s house and an online gathering via Zoom. Learn more about this event and sign up here.