Events

The Department of Ancient Studies, Thorneloe University at Laurentian presents the 2019 Dr. Sally L.D. Katary Memorial Lecture, “Celluloid Cleopatras 1899-2013”.

This year’s lecture, presented by Dr. Kelly Olson, examines the historical Cleopatra and looks at some of the treatments in art, but mainly focuses on the presentation of Cleopatra in film, from 1899-2005. The Egyptian queen has generated varied treatments in art and film, and in them she is the Cleopatra of myth and fantasy as well as history, a myth which began during her lifetime. Is Cleopatra an immoral ruination or great leader? Coquettish temptress? Guileless victim? A threat, a disgrace or an inspiration? Film clips include Cleopatra (1934), Cleopatra (1963), HBO’s Rome (2005), and Katy Perry’s “Dark Horse” video (2013). Although her image has been continually reworked by countless generations, the real Cleopatra remains elusive behind all the masks which have been put on her.

When: Friday, March 22, 4-6pm

Where: The Ernie Checkeris Theatre, Thorneloe University

Admission is free with a reception to follow.

About the Dr. Sally L.D. Katary Memorial Lecture

Established in 2017, the Dr. Sally L.D. Katary Memorial Lecture commemorates Dr. Katary, who taught Ancient Studies and Classics at Thorneloe University for 30 years until her sudden passing on August 6, 2016. An Egyptologist with a Ph.D. from the University of Toronto, Sally was beloved by her students and colleagues alike. Best known for her courses “Greek Mythology” and “Women in the Ancient World,” Sally taught both by distance and in the classroom. Known for her prodigious scholarship, Sally was a Trustee for the Society for the Study of Egyptian Antiquities and also served on the editorial committee for the Society’s journal. To commemorate her contribution to the academic life of Thorneloe University, Dr. Sally Katary was made a posthumous Fellow of the university, and with the support of the Katary family, a lectureship has been established in her memory. Donations to the lectureship fund are welcome, and will go towards supporting future visits by distinguished lecturers.

About Dr. Kelly Olson

Dr. Kelly Olson is Associate Professor of Classics at Western University. Dr. Olson’s research focuses on Roman society, sexuality, and appearance, as well as fashion history more generally. She is the author of several articles on clothing in Roman antiquity and has recent chapters and articles on gender and appearance in publications from Oxford University Press, Blackwell, Routledge, and Berg. Her first book, Dress and the Roman Woman: Self-Presentation and Society, was published by Routledge in 2008. Masculinity and Dress in Roman Antiquity was published by Routledge in 2017.