2018 James Reaney Memorial Lecture: James Stewart Reaney
November 3, 2018 at 1:00pm
The 2018 James Reaney Memorial Lecture with James Stewart Reaney
"I Was So Much Older Then: A reconsideration of Jamie Reaney’s Plays for Children" ... starring Apple Butter, Hilda History, Amelia (Baby One), Tecumseh & many more
November 3, 2018 at 1:00pm
Museum London, Lecture Theatre
This event is free to all
In Partnership with the London Public Library, Words is very pleased to present the 2018 James Reaney Memorial Lecture, featuring James Stewart Reaney! The annual series celebrates the legacy of Canadian poet & playwright James Crerar “Jamie” Reaney. The lecture series features a talk by a distinguished speaker who is knowledgeable about the life and work of Reaney as well as the literary and cultural history of the Southwestern Ontario region. Words Festival is thrilled to have the opportunity to present this year's lecture.
Biography:
Now 65 & a LondonFuse contributor, James Stewart Reaney covered everything from operas to Neil Young concerts to baseball's World Series in more than 30 years at The London Free Press. Encouraged by LFP colleagues, he produced the first extensive Top 10 devoted to London albums and named a London music scene personality of the year as part of year-end recognitions of local excellence. As a columnist and reporter, he profiled many London creative spirits. In collaboration with LFP colleagues, he hosted weekly videos devoted to London performers & creators for eight years before retiring in early 2017.
Born in Winnipeg in 1952, James moved to London in 1960 when his parents — the writers Colleen Thibaudeau & Jamie Reaney — decided to return to their London-region roots. He has been a witness to — & occasional participant in — London’s creative community since the 1960s. He joins his sister, Susan Reaney, of Vancouver, in celebrating the legacy of their parents via the websites she helms — colleenthibaudeau.com & jamesreaney.com respectively.
He continues to champion the London scene on multiple platforms. James is a passionate supporter of the Forest City London Music Awards as a board member & advocate for its London Music Hall of Fame at 182 Dundas St. He is also an active member of the London & Middlesex Historical Society & helmed its three editions of The Great London Songbook, events matching local performers with hits associated with the Forest City's glorious musical history. Other volunteerism has included community roles at St. Paul's Anglican Cathedral & the Orchard Park Sherwood Forest Ratepayers.
He is married to Susan Wallace. Their daughter, Elizabeth, is a teacher in Toronto.
