Acclaimed artists help welcome Thornton WIlder Society to TCNJ

“The Thornton Wilder Society at TCNJ: A Celebration” took place on campus on March 20, gathering a number of literary and theatrical figures, all attracted to the opportunity to discuss and honor the renowned playwright and novelist. 

The discussion, moderated by poet J.D. McClatchy, began with a reading by actress Marian Seldes of Thornton Wilder’s personal letters addressed to Garson Kanin, a friend of Wilder’s and Selde’s late husband. 

“They were all, to me, love letters of friendship,” said Seldes, who remarked on Wilder’s passion and sincerity, reflected in the inspiring words of these personal letters.

Wilder wrote: “People are, except for certain moments, too late or blind to the privilege of being alive.”

Seldes also presented excerpts from several of Wilder’s celebrated works, including Matchmaker and Ides of March. She was later joined on stage by playwright Albee to read the last scene from Wilder’s famous play, The Skin of Our Teeth. 

Seldes and Albee were joined on stage by novelist Joyce Carol Oates and director Emily Mann to engage in a panel discussion of Wilder’s works. The speakers discussed their personal and professional ties to Wilder.

“Our individuality comes from an absorption of what people who came before us have done,” said Albee. With this idea, Albee attributes part of his decision to alter his medium of work when, after a review of Albee’s work, Wilder suggested that the young, aspiring writer concentrate on plays rather than poetry. 

“Thornton Wilder gave me a launch as an apprentice in my profession,” said Mann, who first helped direct Wilder’s play, The Matchmaker, when she received a director’s fellowship as a student.

Following the discussion, questions from the audience, which included members of the Thornton Wilder Society and students, staff, and faculty from the College, were entertained by the speakers. 

The College of New Jersey became the academic home of the Thornton Wilder Society on November 1, 2005 when Lincoln Konkle, associate professor of English at the College, was appointed executive director of the Society. The society, in collaboration with the College, plans to conduct meetings, produce publications, sponsor symposia, and award prizes.  The March 20th event was the society’s inaugural event at the College.

“Given Wilder’s strong connection with New Jersey, it seems a natural fit that The College of New Jersey is now the academic home of the society,” says Konkle.  “The partnership will only benefit both the society and the College as we work together to champion the achievement of Thornton Wilder, contribute to the cultural health of our nation and world, and provide the highest quality education for undergraduate students.”

For more on the Wilder Society, visit the Web page at www.tcnj.edu/~wilder