I want to interrupt our regular blog discussion to extend an invitation to all members, former members, and future members of the Association for Mormon Letters to attend our Annual Meeting on Saturday 27 February at UVU's library. The theme of this year’s Meeting is “One Eternal Round: Mormon Literature Past, Present, and Future.” In keeping with this theme, we will be screening the 1931 film “Corianton: A Story of Unholy Love,” one of the first feature-length Mormon films to be produced. The film is a must-see for those interested in Mormon cultural studies, bringing together a fictionalized Book of Mormon narrative; epic Cecil B. DeMillesque production; Aztec stage settings; Roman costumes; pseudo-Shakespearean dialogue; some glitzy dance numbers; and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir for good measure. This is one film that must be seen! BYU’s film archivist, James D’Arc will introduce the film, setting it in its appropriate context. This may be one of the few chances audiences will have to see this historic Mormon film.
Additionally, I have been busy reviewing conference submissions and want to report that we have some extremely strong papers this year. The discussion of Mormon literature, film, drama, and art is going to be unprecedented. You simply cannot afford to miss this year’s AML Annual Meeting.
Attendance is free to all AML members and students. (AML membership is inexpensive and includes an annual subscription to Irreantum and can be purchased at the door!) Registration starts at 8:00 a.m. and seating for “Corianton” will close (not begin, close) at 9:00 a.m.
AML also will host a luncheon starting at 1:00 p.m. Seating for the luncheon is limited so tickets should be ordered ahead of time. You can order luncheon tickets through a PayPal option on the AML website at http://www.mormonletters.org/Events.aspx
Finally, you will be impressed at our awards ceremony at the quality and breadth of our Mormon literary landscape. We’ve got some spectacular winners this year!
I look forward to meeting all of you at our Annual Meeting, and, trust me, you will not soon forget “Corianton.”
