Dialogue and Debate: Questioning Commemorations


Date: Nov 13
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Where: Theatre

How do we commemorate war? Whose stories get told? And when do we tell them? Join The Rooms and Memorial University for Dialogue and Debate: Questioning Commemorations to challenge our ideas and preconceptions on what it means to remember.

Dialogue and Debate is an event series that invites experts from Memorial University to discuss and expand on the collections and exhibitions featured at The Rooms. The discussions are lively, informative and designed for the public.

This is a free event but a ticket is required. Reserve your free ticket online or by calling (709)757-8090.

Featured Debaters:

Dr. Vicki Hallett
Dr. Vicki Hallett is a settler Newfoundlander and an associate professor in the Department of Gender Studies at Memorial University, where she teaches on topics such as feminist theory, genders and sexualities, and masculinities. Currently interim academic editor of Memorial University Press, she also researches and writes about the complex ways identity and place are created and expressed through life narrative. Her primary focus in these endeavours is the people of Newfoundland and Labrador whose stories have shaped and been shaped by this place, yet haven’t received the attention and honour they deserve. Dr. Hallett has authored multiple scholarly works, including the book Mistress of the Blue Castle: The Writing Life of Phebe Florence Miller (ISER Books, 2018), which was shortlisted for the Newfoundland and Labrador Book Awards in 2019.

Dr. Lucian Ashworth
Dr. Lucian Ashworth is a professor of political science at Memorial University’s Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. Prior to joining Memorial, he taught and researched at the University of Limerick in Ireland for 16 years. He is the author of A History of International Thought (Routledge, 2014), and his main area of research interest is international relations. He is currently writing a book on international relations and time for the Routledge Worlding Beyond the West series, and he teaches the popular course, The Global Politics of the End of the World (As We Know It).

 

 

Events & Programs

2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Talk

Join guest curator and host, Jenelle Duval for an engaging conversation with panelists, Jordan Bennett, Samaqani Cocahq, Kayla Stride, and Nelson White.

The featured artists will reflect on their work as part of Duval’s exhibition, Tekweywinen tel weljesultiek (Be with us in our Joy), a uniquely interactive and play-based experience that showcases the works of seven Indigenous artists based in Wabanaki*—inviting you to explore their (and your) individual interpretations of joy.

For generations, Wabanaki artists have thrived and are known to be resilient and strong. Yet, it's not only their endurance that sustains them—laughter, spirit, and humour have been vital to their artmaking.

This exhibition is a celebration of that vibrant spirit, offering a space to uplift each other and collectively embrace the joy inherent in Indigenous culture. What brings joy to your inner child? How can we spark curiosity, invite wonder, and see the world with fresh eyes and an imaginative mind?

*Wabanaki, translated as “People of the First Light” or “Dawnland,” includes five nations: the Mi'kmaq, Maliseet, Passamaquoddy, Penobscot, and Abenaki. The region stretches from parts of Newfoundland to the Maritime provinces, Maine, and Quebec.

This is a free event but a ticket is required. Pelase reserve your free ticket online or by calling (709)757-8090. 

This program is in partnership with First Light in celebration of Spirit Song.

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Presented with PictureNL, we’re shining a spotlight on some of Newfoundland and Labrador’s superb films and filmmakers! Each month we’ll present a different local feature film on our big screen. Gather with friends and film buffs to celebrate home-grown talent.

Next up:

  • Screening six local shorts:
    • Faeries – directed by Yejide Emioladipupo – 7.41 mins
    • Poster Child – directed by Brianna Russell – 8 mins
    • Thumbs Up – directed by Mike Simms– 12 mins
    • After – directed by Nyah Williams– 12.12 mins
    • Scored by Time – directed by Nicola Hawkins– 9.49 mins
    • Sweet Pickle – directed by Lois Brown– 11 mins
    • Total screen time: 60 minutes

A Q&A will follow the screening.

This year-long monthly series is presented by PictureNL in partnership with The Rooms as part of Year of the Arts celebrations.  

Stay tuned as each monthly screening date is announced!

Tickets: $12 plus HST. Tickets are available online or by calling 709-757-8090.