Media Relations
William Woods University

William Woods University plans a month-long series of programs in conjunction with the Daniel Boone Regional Library’s 2012 One Read selection, “The Tiger’s Wife.” The events begin Sept. 4 with the movie, “Welcome to Sarajevo,” and conclude Sept. 27 with the author’s video conference. A children's program is planned for Sept. 22.

One Read, now in its 11th year, is a community-wide reading program that encourages adults of all ages to read one book and participate in thought-provoking discussion and activities. All events at WWU are free and open to the public.

 

“The Tiger’s Wife,” chosen by public vote, was written by 25-year-old Téa Obreht, who was born in the former Yugoslavia and immigrated to the United States in 1997. The novel tells the story of a young physician in the war-torn Balkans who searches for tales from her grandfather’s past in an attempt to understand his mysterious death far from home. She becomes convinced that he spent his last days searching for “the deathless man,” a vagabond who claimed to be immortal.

 

As she looks for answers, she uncovers an extraordinary World War II-era story of a deaf-mute woman in her grandfather’s boyhood village who befriended a tiger escaped from a zoo. Personal history, quest, myth, superstition and the aftermath of war combine to create a magical narrative.

 

All WWU programs will be held at 7 p.m. in the Library Auditorium unless otherwise noted. Programming is subject to change, so check www.WilliamWoods.edu for up-to-date details.

 

The programs planned are:

Sept. 4—Movie Night, “Welcome to Sarajevo”

Tony Weed, clinical instructor in communications, will show “Welcome to Sarajevo” with Woody Harrelson. The movie takes place during the Third Balkan War 1992-93. It shows the war from the media's perspective and is based on a true story of a news crew helping orphaned children escape the war. It utilizes actual footage from the war and is rated R for violence (war footage). 

 

Sept. 10—Healing the World

A panel will discuss attempts to provide healthcare and immunizations in war-torn or third-world countries. Fulton native Nicole Williams, a medical student at the University of Missouri, will talk about her volunteer experiences in Rwanda and Cambodia; Dr. Raymond Plue, past governor of Rotary District 6080, will tell about his experiences during Rotary national polio immunization days in India; and Dr. Wayne Anderson, University of Missouri professor emeritus of psychology  and travel writer for the Columbia Tribune, will speak about training volunteers to deal with post-traumatic stress in foreign countries and his visits to the Balkans.  This program is co-sponsored by the Rotary Club of Fulton.  

 

Sept. 11—Movie Night, “War Horse”

Dr. Greg Smith, associate professor of English, will show Steven Spielberg's recent film, "War Horse," which deals with situational and thematic issues similar to those in “The Tiger’s Wife.”  Young Albert enlists to serve in World War I after his beloved horse is sold to the cavalry. Albert's hopeful journey takes him out of England and across Europe as the war rages on.  Note: The movie is 146 minutes, so this presentation will begin at 6 p.m.

 

Sept. 13—Telling the Tale

Dr. Matt Dube, assistant professor of English, will discuss folk tales and contemporary storytelling. Note: this presentation will be 4-5 p.m.

 

Sept. 17—Saving the Tiger

Students and faculty from the University of Missouri who are members of Tigers For Tigers will speak about tiger conservation. This program is co-sponsored by the Callaway County Chapter of the Mizzou Alumni Association. 

 

Sept. 20—Readers’ Theatre

This interactive session will emphasize the various themes of “The Tiger’s Wife” through a readers’ theater presentation by Dr. Betsy Tutt, professor and chair of education, and some of her students.  Note: this presentation will be at 4 p.m.

 

Sept. 22—Tiger Time for Kids

Jen Sain, Coordinator, Mildred Cox Gallery will host a kid’s workshop.  WWU’s Art Club will make papier-mâché tiger masks with the children or paper collage tigers. Note: this presentation will be 10 a.m. to noon in the Gladys Woods Kemper Center for the Arts.

 

Sept. 24—Describing the Scene

History professors Dr. Shawn Hull of William Woods University and Dr. Kurt Jefferson of Westminster College will discuss the history of the Balkans.

 

Sept. 25—Deaf People Now and Then: Perspectives

Dr. Barbara D. Garrett, professor and program director, American Sign Language & Interpreting Program, will lead a panel of local Deaf community scholars to provide current and historical insight from the perspective of Deaf people.  American Sign Language has its linguistic origins in Europe and the Deaf community is connected today internationally.  Interpreters will be provided for this event so that both Deaf and non-Deaf people may freely participate and communicate.

 

Sept. 27—Author’s Video Conference

Join author Téa Obreht by video conference for a discussion of her book, “The Tiger’s Wife.”   

 

For more information, contact Mary Ann Beahon, WWU director of university relations and a member of the One Read Task Force, at maryann.beahon@williamwoods.edu or 573-592-1127.

 

 

CUTLINE:

Author Téa Obreht and the cover of her book, “The Tiger’s Wife”