Dialogue and Debate with Memorial University at The Rooms
Date: Feb 21
7:00 pm
- 8:00 pm
Where: Theatre
Art, whether it be on a gallery wall, read on a page, listened to, or simply witnessed, unites different people and perspectives together through a common human experience. When this happens, art can become a powerful force for substantive, significant social change.
Dialogue and Debate with Memorial University at The Rooms has been developed with this truth in mind.
In our inaugural pilot, we are proud to present Dr. Jennifer Dyer, head of the gender studies department, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences and Dr. Mike Wahl, assistant professor, Faculty of Medicine, engaged in a conversation inspired by Kim Morgan’s exhibition Blood and Breath, Skin and Dust, an exploration of materiality and the body.
The two academics, whose diverse research interests range from visual communications and media, to cultural, feminist and queer media theory (Dr. Dyer) to occupational medicine, human performance and obesity (Dr. Wahl), bring their unique perspectives and life experiences to what promises to be an unforgettable conversation.
This is a free event, but a ticket is required. Please reserve your free ticket online or by calling (709) 757-8090.Cash bar available for 19 +.
Presented in partnership with Memorial University’s Department of Public Engagement.
Events & Programs
Behold the Blades of the Sea: Join historian, Lee Gillis as he explores the rich history and evolution of swords featured in The Rooms permanent collection.
From Napoleonic sabers to ceremonial swords of the First World War, learn how political upheaval and global conflict shaped the advancement of sword design and technology.
Cost: $12 plus HST. Free for Rooms members. Get your tickets online or by calling (709) 757-8090.
About the Presenter:
Historian, Lee Gillis specializes in arms and armor. While his primary focus has been on the medieval period, he has worked with weapons and objects ranging from the Bronze Age to World War II.
He earned a B.A. in History from Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) and later completed a Master’s Degree in Museum and Artefact Studies at Durham University in England.
To support this research, Lee began training in sword fighting in 2012 and took up blacksmithing and blade-making to gain a comprehensive understanding on the form and function of bladed weaponry.
Since October 2024, he has been volunteering at The Rooms, where he has identified, researched, and catalogued nearly one hundred objects in the collection, including a significant number of swords and other bladed weapons.