Remixed Classics is a program series which has goals to build connections, make space for new voices, create empathy and belonging, and support vibrant communities. Funding for Remixed Classics has been provided by PA Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities as part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and by the Friends of Tredyffrin Public Library.
Altogether, Remixed Classics will reinvigorate our connection to classics and the library. During the program series, we will consider the impact of history, philosophy, and culture, as well as, the importance of continuing or retelling classic stories.
There is a plethora of programs that children, teens, and adults can enjoy. Check out some of the programs below!
Children & Families
The first program offered to children between the ages of 8 and 12 will consider a classic children’s book and remix it by creating a film or live skit. Led by a history expert, participants will discuss the story’s time period and what might have influenced both the story and the writer.
The second program offers a family book group which will be led in discussion about historical, cultural, and philosophical elements of each book selected. After the discussion, families will remix each story by changing different elements of the book.
Teens
The first program offered to teens will focus on selecting, reading, and discussing a classic novel and research the time period of the selected novel. Afterwards, teens will create original films that remix elements from the original work.
The second program offers a book group for teens. During the book group, teens will read a classic novel and discuss the story and its historical, philosophical, and cultural context. Teens will remix the classic into an audio drama and share it as a serial podcast.
Adults
During summer months, adults will read a classics retelling, such as Daughters of Sparta by Claire Heywood or Ariadne by Jennifer Saint. Then everyone will participate in a discussion of the remixed classic, led by Villanova Classics Studies professor, Dr. Alissa Vaillancourt. During the discussion, participants will learn about the influence of history, philosophy, cultures, and other humanities as depicted in novels that remix classic stories. Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to virtually meet an author who published a classics retelling.
Author in Residence
Tredyffrin Township Libraries will host New York Times best-selling author Jean Hanff Korelitz as author-in-residence for a series of events September 27–30. Korelitz is the author of eight novels, including The Latecomer and The Plot (both in development for limited series), You Should Have Known (adapted as HBO’s 2020 limited series, The Undoing, starring Nicole Kidman and Hugh Grant) and Admission (the basis for the 2013 film starring Tina Fey).
The Remixed Classics series explores how plots are adapted to different settings, times, and media. The movie adaptations of Korelitz’s work will be introduced by a screening of The Undoing (episodes 1 & 2) on Tuesday, September 27 at 7:00 and a screening of Admission on Wednesday, September 28 at 7:00, both in the King Room at Tredyffrin Public Library. On Thursday, September 29 at 7:00, the author will discuss her evolving ideas about Plot Development and share her observations on the adaptations of her work.
On Thursday, September 29 at 1:30 at Paoli Library, Korelitz will meet with a small group of creative people who are engaged in writing–or are interested in trying–for a Conversation about Writing. The session will focus on some of the challenges people deal with as writers. When it comes to the writing process, Korelitz points to Anna Quindlen’s observation in Write For Your Life that the only part of a writing routine that matters is the part where the words get onto the page. Registration is limited to 15.
On Friday, September 30 at 2:30, book lovers have a unique opportunity to meet the author in a relaxed setting, limited in size so that real conversation can take place, in a Pop-Up Book Group discussion of The Plot. This event will be held at a historic private home in Strafford, with a limited number of tickets available for in-person participation. The $25 registration fee includes a signed copy of The Plot. The event can also be viewed on Zoom at no charge (advance registration required).
The residency will be capped off by an Author Talk and Book Signing on Friday, September 30. See the library event calendar for additional information on ticketing and registration.
Check back for information about dates and which authors will be visiting the libraries in-person and virtually!
