Ghost Stories of the British Raj

Ghost Stories of the British Raj

This enjoyable presentation in partnership with the Mystery Lovers Bookshop focuses on ghost stories that have their origin in the British Raj, including stories written, set in or inspired by the era. Among the ghost stories to be discussed are those by Rudyard Kipling (including his famous “The Phantom Rickshaw”); stories by Irish author B.M. Croker, who lived in India for 14 years and set several spectral tales there, notably her spine-tingling short story, “To Let”; more recent modern writers such as M.M. Kaye (“Death in the Andamans” and “The Far Pavilions”); and contemporary Indian author of British descent, Ruskin Bond (“A Face in the Dark” and “Ghost Stories of the Raj”).

Kim Szczypinski of Britsburgh and Duquesne University will give a talk about this fascinating subgenre of British literature. And, as a special treat for Halloween, we’ll enjoy a dramatic reading by actor

Kendra McLaughlin of what is perhaps B.M. Croker’s best known ghost story, “To Let,” which remains for modern audiences every bit as vivid, fresh and accessible as when first published in 1896!

PROGRAMME:

7:00 p.m.: Light Anglo-Indian style refreshments

7:30 p.m.: Talk by Kim Szczypinski on Ghosts Stories of the British Raj

8:00 p.m.: Reading of B.M. Croker's chilling 1896 ghost story, "To Let", set in an Indian hill station bungalow

8:30 p.m.: Questions and Conversation

Menu:

Cucumber and Tomato Raita

Bombay Tutti Frutti Salad

Mango Cream

Shrikhand (Sweet Golden Yogurt)

Cashew Nut Cake

Kendra McLaughlin's recent credits include "The Old Curiosity Shop" for Pittsburgh Irish and Classical Theatre (PICT);  "Love, Loss and What I Wore", a fundraiser for McKeesport Little Theatre; Pittsburgh New Works Festival's "Where the Star Fell" (for which she won the "Outstanding Lead Actress" award), and City Theatre's "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Gynecologic Oncology Unit at Memorial Sloan Ketting Cancer Center of New York City."  When she is not performing on stage, Kendra acts as a Standardized Patient for various programs within the University of Pittsburgh Medical School.

Kim Szczypinski serves as Secretary of Britsburgh's Board and on its Event Planning Committee.  She is Study Abroad Coordinator at Duquesne University and has taught history courses about the First World War on Duquesne study abroad programs in Europe.

Tickets: Members $5; Non-members - online in advance $10; Students $6; At the door $15

MEMBERS LOGIN FOR $5 REGISTRATION. To become a member, visit the Britsburgh membership page.  Pre-registration is required for this event.

For more information on this event, contact Kim Szczypinski of Britsburgh's at kimberly2859@msn.com.

Explore fascinating British-themed topics with the guidance of experts and enjoy the company and conversation of fellow enthusiasts as a member of one of Britsburgh Societies: Britsburgh Arts Society, the Britsburgh Beer Society, the Britsburgh History Society, the Britsburgh Literary Society and the Britsburgh Tea Society. If you are not already a member, I would like to invite you to consider becoming a Britsburgh Society member. To become a member, visit the Britsburgh membership page.

THE BRITSBURGH TEAM