Contact:
Write to us at atlanta@esuus.org
2010 NationalShakespeare Competition
April 26, 2010
-- Captivating audiences with a performance of a sonnet and monologue from Shakespeare, Nichelle Thomas from Decatur, a student of Candance Lambert at Dekalb School of the Arts in Avondale Estates, placed as a semi-finalist at the English-Speaking Union National Shakespeare Competition. The competition was held on April 26th at Lincoln Center in New York City for 58 winners of ESU Branch competitions nationwide. |
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| Nichelle Thomas, winner of the ESU Atlanta Branch regional competition, performing in New York City, April 26, 2010 |
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WELCOME
Formally organized in the United States in 1920, two years after the establishment of its counterpart in the British Commonwealth, the English-Speaking Union in the United States was created to fulfill a mission: it was conceived as a nonpolitical association dedicated to furthering friendship and understanding among English-speaking peoples around the world. As the English language becomes even more dominant as the mode of communications throughout the world, the mission of the ESU has become even more relevant.
The Atlanta Branch of the ESU welcomes into membership all persons whose interests and endeavors are focused on our Branch objectives: 1. Create global understanding through English; 2. Provide educational programs that are designed to increase appreciation of English literature and the proper use of the English language; and 3. Provide assistance to students and scholars who have special interests in British history and culture.
Our programs and activities are internally and externally focused. First of all, we offer interesting monthly programs and events to our members that meet our Branch objectives. These programs include English literature speakers, Churchill lecturers, visitors from the UK, presentation on English Men & Boys Choral Music, annual Christmas Wassail and our spring Garden Party. Our Branch’s outreach programs include sponsorship of the local Shakespeare Competition, support for local Shakespeare workshops and productions, scholarships for local high school teacher’s summer study in Great Britain, and Books as Envoys program. The Walter Hines Page Scholar program provides us with an opportunity to have our local school teachers interact with a counterpart from Great Britain. We are an active organization with many opportunities for members to learn about, to participate in, and to enjoy English language, history and culture.
Charles H. Maddrey
President, ESU Atlanta Branch
Please see our Calendar for the 2011-12 schedule of events.
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An Overview of the Previous Season
Another exciting year begins for our Atlanta Branch but we first thank our retiring President, Mr. Pace Huff for leading his Board in an excellent term of office. Inspirational speakers, sumptuous lunches and scintillating social gathers, what more could our members ask for. A sincere thank you and appreciation for all your hard work is expressed by our members.
We are now delighted to welcome our newPresident, Mr. Charles Maddrey, who with his team, are already showing their own excellent leadership qualities. We send our best wishes to them for a very successful term of office.
The City of Atlanta began its own year in a very uncharacteristic manner with an abundance of snow and ice. Sufficient to bring the city to a halt. The first few days were picturesque and a delight to see. However, when it continued for almost a week some of the pleasure departed. Not only was it almost impossible to get to work or the stores but skating along the side walk when taking your dog for a walk (these adorable canines had no concept of sitting cozy by a roaring fire) was akin to mushing in the Arctic. As a result we had to delay our January meeting. Since then, the temperature has risen considerably and, after many weeks in the mid to upper 90’s, I suspect many of us are now looking forward to the beginning of Fall.
Throughout the year we had a diverse program of speakers from Dr. Elizabeth Chase - “An introduction to the English Language material in the Rare Book Collection at Emory”, the Sir Evelyn Wrench International Speaker, Christopher Mulvey, PhD., - "The English Language in the Deep South”, the Walter Hines Page Scholar, Bronwyn Murie, to the Consul General of Ireland, Paul Gleeson – “Ireland, Europe and US. Partners on the Road to Recover,” to name a few. Speakers to suit everyone’s interests. The President, Pace Huff, and his wife, Patricia, also hosted two excellent social events at their home.
In February, the Annual Shakespeare Competition was held at the The New Atlanta Shakespeare Playhouse and fifteen schools were represented. Students recited monologues and sonnets with the resident acting staff of this Original Practice Shakespeare Company acting as the judges. The quality of performance was tremendous and the overall winner had the honor of representing our branch in New York. A wholesome thank you to Martin Wilson, who is the Chairman of this competition, for all the time and effort he exerted to make this a memorable year.
In June Her Britannic Majesty’s Consul General, Annabelle Malins, and her husband, James, generously opened their home for the Annual Garden Party and Members’ Meeting. Business was dealt with in a timely manner and with a clear blue sky and a glass or two of Pimm’s everyone present then proceeded to have a thoroughly enjoyable time in very pleasant surroundings.
In July members were invited to a special event to see The Tempest at the Georgia Shakespeare Theater at Oglethorpe University and participate in a special dessert and tea reception with the actors, Kyle Bumbley and Elizabeth Lanier.
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There are more delights in store for our members in the coming months.
Please view our calendar and if a particular event catches your attention, we will take pleasure in welcoming you.
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