The Inklings—Creativity, Collaboration, and Community
MAY 1–2, 2020
The Inklings was a literary discussion group that met between the 1930s and the 1950s. C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, and the other writers would meet weekly at a pub in Oxford, England called the Eagle and the Child. Many of the famous works of literature we know them for today were a result of these friends reading and critiquing each other’s early manuscripts.
Our Square Halo Conference is inspired by this robust fellowship. Our time together will reflect on their creativity, collaboration, and community, while also providing creative and collaborative experiences throughout the event.
Featured contributors to this event include:
Bonnie Bosso, director for Servant Stage and Lancaster Academy for the Performing Arts, as well as Theatre Production & Public Relations Manager for Franklin & Marshall College
Dan Deal and Andrew Zahn, of the Reverie Actor’s Company
Graham Dennis, Dean of Students and Secondary School Omnibus teacher, Veritas Academy
Matthew Dickerson, author of Ents, Elves, and Eriador: The Environmental Vision of JRR Tolkien
Hannah Eagleson, author of Walking to Wisdom literature guides to Tolkien, Lewis, and Sayers with Classical Academic Press, and assistant director of InterVarsity’s Emerging Scholars Network
Douglas McKelvey, author of Every Moment Holy
Andrew Peterson, singer-songwriter and author of The Wingfeather Saga
Christine Perrin, poet and author of Bright Mirror
Christie Purifoy, author of Placemaker: Cultivating Places of Comfort, Beauty, and Peace
Shawn Smucker, author of The Day the Angels Fell
Donald T. Williams, author of Deeper Magic: The Theology Behind the Writings of C.S.Lewis
The conference will be held in The Trust Performing Arts Center (37 North Market Street, Lancaster, PA), in collaboration with The Trust Performing Arts Center, The Row House, and Reverie Actor’s Company.
ART EXHIBITION
Part of the event will include an exhibition of Inklings-inspired art. More information can be found HERE. If you would like to be considered to be in the show, please contact the Square Halo Gallery.
BOOK TABLE
As an added bonus, Hearts & Minds Bookstore will have one of their incomparable book tables on site to enjoy thoughout the conference.
TICKETS
Tickets are $175 each but on sale for $150 until January 2020 (available to attendees age 13 and older—no childcare is available).
LODGING
The conference is being held walking distance from several fine hotels, including Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square, Holiday Inn, the Lancaster Arts Hotel. There are other quality hotels in driving distance as well as local AirB&Bs.
SCHEDULE
FRIDAY | May 1, 2020
6 pm — Registration
7 pm — The Row House Forum: Matthew Dickerson | Great Hall
Creativity, Art, Mortality, and the Fall in the Works of J.R.R.Tolkien
9pm — Pub Night and Art Opening in the Square Halo Gallery
SATURDAY | May 2, 2020
8 — Breakfast
8:45 — Plenary Session 1: The Inklings Collaborate from the Grave: Taliessin in Williams and Williams with Donald T. Williams
9:45 — Coffee Break
10:15 — Breakout Session 1
Hospitality in Middle-Earth: The Welcoming of Strangers Versus the Building of Walls with Matthew Dickerson | Great Hall
Poetics of the Inklings with Christine Perrin | Square Halo Gallery
The Man Born to Be King drama workshop | Board Room — This session is sponsored by Classical Academic Press, a classical education curriculum, media, and consulting company
Leaf by Niggle dramatic reading by the Reverie Actor’s Company | Black Box Theater
11:15 — Breakout Session 2
The Lion and the Wizard with John Hendrix | Great Hall
Following in the Inklings’ Footsteps: The Experiences of a Fantasy Writer with Matthew Dickerson | Square Halo Gallery
Writer’s Workshop with Shawn Smucker | Board Room
Leaf by Niggle dramatic reading by the Reverie Actor’s Company | Black Box Theater
12:15 — LUNCH | Box Lunch (provided)
1-2:15 Free Time
Afternoon Reading and Tea Gathering | Board Room
Pop-up Printmaking Workshop with Ned Bustard | Trust Foyer
Gallery Art Talk with Katie Joy Nellis | Square Halo Gallery
Leaf by Niggle dramatic reading by the Reverie Actor’s Company | Black Box Theater
2:15 — Plenary Session 2: Literature in the Service of Christian Wisdom: Some Lewisian Perspectives with Donald T. Williams
3:15 — Breakout Sessions 3
Inklings and Friends: Dorothy Sayers and Other Creators in the Inklings Community with Hannah Eagleson | Great Hall
Placemaking in Narnia with Christie Purifoy | Board Room
CS Lewis and the Space Trilogy with Graham Dennis | Square Halo Gallery
Addison’s Walk A Conversation between Donald T. Williams and John Hendrix | Black Box Theater
4:15 — Bonus Breakout Session
Adorning the Dark with Andrew Peterson | Great Hall
5:15 — DINNER | On your own at local restaurants
7:15 — Plenary Session 3 Failed Collaboration? Not so Fast! A Second Look at Tolkien’s Response to Narnia with Donald T. Williams
8:00 — CONCERT | Andrew Peterson
SUNDAY | May 3, 2020
The Row House will be hosting a “Hobbit Hike” along local trails with Matthew Dickerson Sunday afternoon for any attendees who stick around (lembas bread not included).
Note: This schedule is tentative and subject to change. Additional lectures and activities are currently being planned. If you have specific questions about the conference, please email: conf@squarehalobooks.com.
