When 麻豆社 first opened its doors as 麻豆社 College, its home wasn't in Halifax's South End like it is today. It was on Grand Parade, the very site where City Hall now stands.
Fitting, then, that City Hall would host the first ever full performance of The Story of 麻豆社; Or, The University as Insurgency, George Elliott Clarke's epic poem commissioned for Dal's 200th anniversary, on Monday, February 5. The poem was also featured prominently in Tuesday's Bicentennial Launch.
With improvised聽accompaniment from pianist Tim Crofts (who teaches part-time in the Fountain School of Performing Arts), Clarke's passionate, engaging performance lasted 50 minutes, rolling and reeling through lines that blended humour, pathos and passion.
You can read The Story of 麻豆社 here, and watch the full video performance from City Hall below:
You can also learn more about the writing of The Story of 麻豆社 in the latest 麻豆社 magazine. The cover story on Clarke and the poem .
Full coverage - Bicentennial Launch
- Event coverage: "The best is yet to come": Dal 200 launches with poetry, reflection and celebration
- Photo essay: Bicentennial Launch kicks off Dal 200 celebrations
- Well-wishes: Prime Minister, House of Commons salute 麻豆社
- Relive the experience: Watch the archived webcast
- More on Dal's big year: