Dramatic Reading: "Chesterton and Belloc - a Fastidious Friendship"

The Department of Catholic Studies, the G. K. Chesterton Institute for Faith and Culture and the Celtic Theatre Company proudly present G.K. Chesterton and Hilaire Belloc—A Fastidious Friendship”—an adaptation by James P. McGlone, Ph.D., performed by the Celtic Theatre Company.

The event will be held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, October 16, in the Theatre-in-the-Round, Seton Hall University. A conversation and commentary with Professor McGlone and Dermot Quinn, Ph.D., will follow the performance.

About the Lecture:

The dramatic reading tells the story of the Fastidious Friendship of two remarkable men, G. K. Chesterton and Hilaire Belloc. We encounter their youthful and engaging good humor, their personal devotion to their wives, the fighting tone of their journalistic and political conflicts, their hesitant thoughtfulness about the state of their own souls and the gallant stance both took in the face of overwhelming odds. Chesterton's speech and mood varies like the Irish weather, sometimes whimsical, often amused and delighted, playful and surprising. Belloc's voice reflects the weary warrior who is strong, direct, resounding and powerful in battle. Merry Men carrying Mother Mary's banner into the religious and political controversy of the English-speaking world of the twentieth Century. Sound the bell for the opening round. Let the conflict begin.

We would like to hear your reaction to the evening's presentation, so we cordially invite you to join our "usual suspects" led by Professor Dermot Quinn for a discussion immediately after the performance.

About the Sponsors:
Catholic Studies at Seton Hall University offers an innovative, interdisciplinary curriculum for students of any creed who are interested in deepening their knowledge of Catholicism’s rich intellectual tradition and living heritage. Combining the study of history, philosophy, theology, literature, art, sociology and other disciplines, Catholic Studies focuses on the Church's dialogue with culture and encounter with the world. Students interested in Catholic Studies have the option to pursue a major, minor, or certificate that complements and enhances the university's other degree programs and fields of study. Over 20 years the academic program and its variegated activities have stayed true to and fulfilled the Catholic mission and vision of the University.

For a half-century, The G.K. Chesterton Institute for Faith and Culture has worked to promote the thought G. K. Chesterton (1874-1936) and his circle and, more broadly, has explored the application of Chestertonian ideas in the contemporary world. The Institute’s work consists of conferences, lecture series, research and writing. The Chesterton Review, founded in 1974, has been widely praised both for its scholarship and for the quality of its writing. The journal was founded by Father Ian Boyd, C. S. B., and is edited by Professor Quinn. It includes a wide range of articles not only on Chesterton himself, but on the issues close to his heart in the work of other writers and in the modern world. It has devoted special issues to C. S. Lewis, George Bernanos, Hilaire Belloc, Maurice Baring, Christopher Dawson, Cardinal Manning, the Modernist Crisis, J. R. R. Tolkien, Fantasy Literature, Special Polish Issue, Special Charles Dickens issue, the most recent “Special Conversion Issue” and many others.  For more information about the Institute and The Chesterton Review, click here or contact [email protected].

The Celtic Theatre Company is dedicated to fostering the appreciation of Irish culture by producing and presenting Irish and Irish American theatrical and musical productions as well as Catholic Literary adaptations.

For more information, please contact Ines Murzaku, Ph.D., or Gloria Aroneo, M.B.A.

Categories: Arts and Culture, Faith and Service