This is a record of the programme of events organised by Christ's College in 2008 to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the birth of John Milton (1608-74). Follow links for further details, podcasts, and other downloads. See copies of leaflets and posters here.
LECTURES
The Lady Margaret Lectures 2008
Wednesday 30 January 2008
Quentin Skinner - John Milton as a Theorist of Liberty
Wednesday 27 February 2008
Colin Burrow - Milton's Singularity
Wednesday 7 May 2008
Sharon Achinstein - Milton: Poetry vs. Prose
Wednesday 29 October 2008
Geoffrey Hill - Milton as Muse
Wednesday 26 November 2008
Christopher Ricks - Milton and 'the best criticism of any work'
Further details and podcasts of the lectures.
EXHIBITIONS
Living at This Hour: John Milton 1608-2008
University Library Exhibition Centre, West Road, Cambridge
15 January to 12 July 2008
An exhibition exploring Milton's influence in his own lifetime and beyond. It included documents from the University Archives; rare early editions of Milton's works; and the extraordinary autograph Milton manuscript from Trinity College. Further information.
Milton in the Old Library
The Old Library, Christ's College, St Andrew's Street, Cambridge
17 January to 18 December 2008
An exhibition based around the College's extensive collection of Milton materials. Further details about the exhibition. Online version of the exhibition.
PERFORMANCES
Comus
Christ's College, St Andrew's Street, Cambridge, in the Fellows' Garden on 19, 20, 21 June, and in Hall on 22, 24 June 2008
Masque by John Milton performed together with a reply newly written by John Kinsella and commissioned for the 400th anniversary of Milton's birth. Performed by Christ's College Amateur Dramatic Society in conjunction with Cambridge University Marlowe Society. Milton's Comus is directed by Annilese Miskimmon (Artistic Director of Opera Theatre Company, Ireland) and designed by artist Lachlan Goudie. Kinsella's Comus is directed by Simon Godwin.
More about Comus, including online version of programme.
Paradise Lost
Thursday 23 October 2008, The Drama Studio, Faculty of English, 9 West Road, Cambridge
An all-day reading of Milton's poem Paradise Lost, with live relay online.
Further information about Paradise Lost, and links to podcasts of the readings.
Milton at Christ's
Saturday 6 December 2008, The Hall, Christ's College, St Andrew's Street, Cambridge
Readings of Milton's poetry and prose by Michael Pennington, and music of Milton's time performed by Fretwork, David Rowland, Ruth Provost, and members of Christ's College Choir.
Further information about Milton at Christ's, and online version of programme.
Handel - L'Allegro, Il Penseroso, ed Il Moderato
Sunday 7 December 2008, Trinity College Chapel, Trinity Street, Cambridge
The Essex Baroque Orchestra conducted by Peter Holman in a performance of Handel's oratorio based on Milton's poems. Pre-concert talk by Dr Jessica Martin, '"Voice, and Verse": Milton's Music'.
EDUCATION
Darkness Visible
Darkness Visible is a web resource for school and university students studying Milton's Paradise Lost.