Media Release
September 15 2006
War stories – a writer’s perspective
There is something about war that heightens sensibilities and nowhere
is that more evident than in the writings about war. This weekend,
beginning on Friday evening September 15 at UniSA’s Magill campus a
group of experts will be exploring the impact of war on writing in the
symposium, Writings of War.
Leading historian Associate Professor Bruce Scates (University of NSW) will open the symposium with a lecture entitled Pilgrimages to Wars Sites. In it he explores the emergence of pilgrimages to sites such as Anzac Cove, Gallipoli, as both a tool of nationalism but also a deeper human experience that spurs in many pilgrims a sense of humanity and reconciliation.
From 9 am on Saturday September 16 the symposium continues with UniSA Dr Paul Skrebels’ examination of publications about the Anzacs. Dr Skrebels will examine the influence of classic early 20th century writings including the Boys’ Own Paper adventures and works by authors such as GA Henty on the writings of returned WWI soldiers. Their works – including poems, stories and pictures – became known as soldiers’ books and often echoed the very patriotic sentiments of the earlier writings.
Dr Nigel Starck will follow with an examination of Lives Heroic and Eccentric in Military Obituaries. Dr Starck has just published Life after Death – the art of the obituary, and will draw on this research to present his observations on the style and historical context of these writings.
Professor Claire Woods will then explore the ethical questions surrounding personal memoirs of war looking at the difficulties and sensitivities involved in handling personal materials.
UniSA Head of School in Journalism, Professor Kerry Green will examine war time journalism taking into account the contexts and pressures involved for journalists reporting on war.
The symposium will also include readings of war poetry from UniSA’s lecturer in professional writing Dr Ioana Petrescu.
What: Writings of War Symposium
Where: UniSA’s Magill Campus - Amy Wheaton Building
When: September 15 from 5.30 pm and September 16 from 9 am to 1 pm.
Interview contacts
-
Dr Nigel Starck mobile 0416 113 178 or Dr Paul Skrebels mobile 0431 904 538
Media contact
- Michèle Nardelli office (08) 8302 0966 mobile 0418 823 673 email michele.nardelli@unisa.edu.au