Re-creating the creator: Homan to discuss Shelley show at symposium

ANGOLA (02/22/2018) Two hundred years ago, Mary Shelley created "Frankenstein," one of the most famous science fiction/horror novels of all time, a story about the tragedy that results when a scientist tries to create life.

On Tuesday, Feb. 27, Lou Ann Homan will share how she is re-creating Mary Shelley.

Homan, a well-known storyteller and adjunct professor in Trine University's Department of Humanities and Communication, will present "Becoming Mary" beginning at 3:30 p.m. on the university campus, as part of the Spring Humanities Symposia.

For the symposium, Homan will discuss the process of putting together her one-woman show, "Mary and Her Monsters."

"During my 25 years as a storyteller, I always choose a character to research and become," said Homan. "Sometimes I am commissioned to do this; other times I choose to do it to keep my skills sharp and my curiosity intact. This year I am Mary Shelley."

Those who attend will learn more about the process of building a show, and be introduced to significant people in Shelley's life, including her stepsister Claire, husband Percy and Lord Byron.

"The audience sees just the finished product, but how does it happen?" Homan commented. "This short seminar will show the steps as well as pieces of my work as I am working on it - the joy, the frustrations, the editing, the throwing it all out and starting over process. Students and community members alike will be a bit surprised as to how this comes to be."

"Mary and Her Monsters" opens June 23 and will tour across the state, including performances during the IndyFringe live theatre festival in Indianapolis from Aug. 16-26.

Sessions for Trine's Humanities Symposia are held in Wells Theater inside Taylor Hall, and are free and open to the public. However, seating is strictly limited to 75.

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Trine University, an internationally recognized, private, co-educational, residential institution, offers associate's, bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in the Allen School of Engineering & Technology, Ketner School of Business, College of Graduate and Professional Studies, Franks School of Education, Jannen School of Arts & Sciences and Rinker-Ross School of Health Sciences. Trine is a member of the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association and offers 23 varsity sports. Its golf program includes the university-owned 18-hole championship Zollner Golf Course. Founded in 1884 and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org), Trine operates a 450-acre main campus in Angola, Indiana, and education resource centers throughout Indiana and Michigan.