Literature

🎭 **MARY MAGDALENE - THE MUSCIAL** 🎭 📍**Where:** Renaissance Theatre, Kew 🗓️**When:** * Fri & Sat 13–14 March, 7:00 pm; * Sat & Sun 14–15 March, 1:00 pm 🎟 Tickets: [trybooking.com/DHZPD](http://trybooking.com/DHZPD) Tickets are selling fast - Special discounts end this Monday 9th of March! - All profits go to our soup kitchen. 🌐 Find out more on our website: [COG Theatre](https://cogtheatre.org/mary-magdalene-the-musical/) Through music and storytelling, the production reflects on love, mercy, compassion, and hope, offering a space for prayerful reflection during Lent.

**\*\*\*This is a pre-booking event. Please visit [artmasterclass.com.au](https://www.artmasterclass.com.au/) choose your lamp, use the MEETAMC10 coupon code, and make a reservation.\*\*\*** Join us for a hands-on workshop where families can learn the art of creating beautiful Turkish lamps together. This unique and engaging class will guide parents and kids through crafting intricate and colorful lamps. No prior experience is required, as our expert instructors will provide step-by-step instructions on design, assembly, and decorating techniques. This workshop is perfect for families and friends to bond, unleash their creativity, and take home a stunning handmade craft that can brighten any room. Come discover Turkish lamp-making's magic with your little ones in a fun and supportive environment. In this 2.5-hour workshop, you'll lose track of time and end up with a beautiful lamp to take home!

**—— Details ——** We will meet at the starting point, take round trip around the Tan and a short stroll inside the botanical garden. BYO coffee/ water bottle. Dress for outdoor walk. Come along & simply say, "Hi, it's my first time joining the group event." or ask the organiser to introduce you. You can take it slow and start from there. If you enjoy the conversations, take the initative to invite others to hang out over a bite/ drink after. **\-\-\- Running Late \-\-\-** If you are running late, please message at least 30 mins in advance. We will wait up to 15 mins before heading off. We won't be able to keep track of messages once we start. **\-\-\- RSVP / Change of Plan \-\-\-** Change of plan or decide not to attend is absolutely okay. Please do update your RSVP to "NO", so others can have the opportunity to attend. **\-\-\- Intro \-\-\-** Kudos to Friends….Expand Your Social Circle Meetup group is a community of individuals who prefer to take it slow to get to know each other overtime in Melbourne. Join us on a fun journey as we explore cafes, restaurants and bars, including drinks, meals, outings, chilling, cultural exchange, etc. Above all, we’d like to celebrate the importance of friendships. So if you are looking to expand your social circle and explore new adventures and venues in Melbourne, come join us! **\-\-\- WhatsApp Group \-\-\-** We use WhatsApp for more fluid communication, including ideas, interest groups, questions etc. Please let the organizer know if you would like to be added to the WhatsApp Group at the event. We will send an invite to attendees to the group. (give us some time) **\-\-\- Rules \-\-\-** Admin will only add members to the group with a clear profile picture. (No hidden behind sunglasses, masks, drawings) **You might be removed from the group in the case of…** * no show * without a clear profile picture * anti-social behaviour (i.e. acts rude / disrespectful regularly) * take advantage of individuals for personal gain(s) **\-\-\- Privacy \-\-\-** Do not disclose your contact number in this post comment. We will delete your comment/info as soon as we see it to protect your privacy.

**\*\*\*This is a pre-booking event. Please visit [artmasterclass.com.au](https://www.artmasterclass.com.au/) choose your ceramic, use the MEETAMC10 coupon code, and make a reservation.\*\*\*** **Ceramic Paint & Sip Workshop - Melbourne** **Hosted by Art Masterclass** Unleash your creativity at our fun and relaxing Ceramic Paint & Sip Workshop! Whether you're a seasoned artist or have never touched a paintbrush before, this workshop is perfect for all skill levels—no prior knowledge is required. Join us for different sessions every day, where you can personalize your ceramic masterpiece while enjoying a glass of wine in the heart of Melbourne. Book your session today and experience the joy of art in a fun and social setting!

Hi all, Note: ensure to read the RSVP rules below on how to secure your spot for this event (Ides restaurant closing) after placing your name on the waitlist. Some may have heard of the news that IDES’ last day is on the 14th March 2026 and the early session times were quickly taken on this day after their closure announcement. https://www.broadsheet.com.au/melbourne/food-and-drink/article/peter-gunn-to-close-ides-in-march, https://www.theage.com.au/goodfood/melbourne-eating-out/it-may-have-dropped-the-degustation-and-a-hat-but-this-fine-diner-is-still-a-winner-20260119-p5nv5k.html I managed to reserve a table of 6 for The Six sample menu at 6:30pm, Friday 13th March 2026. Those members who attended the farewell dinner at ides 2 years ago marking the founder’s (also group organizer) resignation from her Fine Diners group, would appreciate how nice Ides restaurant was/is. On this day the new organiser/s was/were also appointed for our group…the drum rolled and coronation was officially announced. Anyways, back to the dinner at Ides- Steps required to secure your seat to attend this event: •Payment is required in order of RSVP. (Click on the waitlist to view the number in the queue next to your name) •The first 6 members on the waitlist have 48 hours to make payment in full after placing your name on waitlist •If payment is not made within this timeframe, you will have to give up your sport to the next member in line (eg member on queue number 7th) or you will be removed to "not going list" and if you wish to attend, feel free to re-place your name on the going list to re-queue •Once payment is received I will move your name across to the going list. •Cost of dinner: The Six set menu and the Black Box is $188.70/person including card surcharge for food only. Drinks not included and can be purchased on the evening. >>>>If you change your mind or cancel and are not attending in less than 48 hours' notice before the scheduled event or you are at risk of a cancellation fee of the full price of the reserved menu per person. Time etiquette: A strict 3-hour dining time has been allocated for us. Please arrive early or on time. (I have reserved a table for 6 - please read the RSVP rules above to lock in your spot) (Most likely I won't be able to make it, but I will be meeting you there to finalise the bill for food that you paid me once everyone is arrived and seated. It’s similar to what I have done for the members for the Duck event at Aru last year I hope you can make it. Cheers, LeAnn More about Ides: https://www.timeout.com/melbourne/restaurants/i

**This Meetup account will be deleted soon**, but the **Language Exchange hosted by JAPANEASY will continue to be held every week**. **★Notice: JAPANEASY Meetup Account Closure★** Hello everyone, Thank you very much for always joining JAPANEASY’s Language Exchange events and cultural workshops. We are writing to inform you that the JAPANEASY Meetup account will be closed in the near future. Please rest assured that JAPANEASY will continue to run events and programs as usual. If you are interested in our upcoming activities, please visit the links below: (1) **Language Exchange** https://japaneasy.com.au/events/language-exchange/ (2) **Cultural Workshops** https://japaneasy.com.au/workshops/ (3) **Japanese Lessons (Group courses & Private lessons)** https://japaneasy.com.au/courses/ (4) **日本語教師養成講座** https://japaneasy.com.au/courses/日本語教師養成講座/ We sincerely appreciate your continued support and look forward to seeing you at our future events. Warm regards, JAPANEASY \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- JAPANEASY Japanese Language & Culture Learning Centre Tel：0422-266-308 Address：Level 1, 183 Exhibition Street, Melbourne Email：[reception@japaneasy.com.au](mailto:reception@japaneasy.com.au) Website：[www.japaneasy.com.au](http://www.japaneasy.com.au/) Facebook：[http://www.facebook.com/EasyPeasyJapaneasy](http://www.facebook.com/EasyPeasyJapaneasy) Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/japaneasymel/](https://www.instagram.com/japaneasymel/) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-

**🙋‍♀️**Welcome to FREE FRIDAY Social + language ​exchange meetup. Meet people from many countries and make new friends. 👉We always have MANY people attending our Friday event since this event is listed in 3 different meetup groups. Some people come early some come late, best time is between 6:30pm to 9:30pm. 👉This is a great opportunity to learn to speak English with native and non-native speakers. Many English speakers, Europeans, Chinese, Japanese, Koreans, and other Asians attend our fun and friendly party. 👉It is suitable for international students, working holiday people, professional ex-pats, and local Australians.

We'll meet at the spot where Fed Square meets the Princes Bridge over the Yarra (near the pedestrian crossing closest to the river from Flinders St, on the Fed Square side). We'll walk for about 6km along the Yarra River, through the Botanic Gardens and back along the river to Federation Square for a coffee after the walk. This month, we're reading and talking about 'The Emperor of Gladness' by Ocean Vuong The blurb: "**Ocean Vuong returns with an achingly beautiful novel about chosen family, unexpected friendship, and the stories we tell ourselves in order to survive.** One late summer evening in the post-industrial town of East Gladness, Connecticut, nineteen-year-old Hai stands on the edge of a bridge in pelting rain, ready to jump, when he hears someone shout across the river. The voice belongs to Grazina, an elderly widow succumbing to dementia, who convinces him to take another path. Bereft and out of options, he quickly becomes her caretaker. Over the course of the year, the unlikely pair develops a life-altering bond, one built on empathy, spiritual reckoning, and heartbreak, with the power to alter Hai’s relationship to himself, his family, and a community at the brink. Following the cycles of history, memory, and time, *The Emperor of Gladness* shows the profound ways in which love, labor, and loneliness form the bedrock of American life. At its heart is a brave epic about what it means to exist on the fringes of society and to reckon with the wounds that haunt our collective soul. Hallmarks of Vuong’s writing – formal innovation, syntactic dexterity, and the ability to twin grit with grace through tenderness – are on full display in this story of loss, hope, and how far we would go to possess one of life’s most fleeting mercies: a second chance." Goodreads rating: 3.93 How does a walking bookclub work? Like a normal bookclub, we talk about the book, what else we're reading, have read, or want to read (as well as a few tangents into life outside literature!) but we do it while walking around Melbourne and then over a coffee. We often split into smaller groups as we walk, but we also regroup through the walk. Should I read the book beforehand? The conversation will be more interesting if you do, but you can still come along if you haven't finished it yet! Do I need to bring anything? **Comfy** walking shoes, drinking water, some money for coffee or a bite to eat after if you wish. No need to bring the book unless you want to. No shows No shows (RSVPing yes and not attending) mean the group waits unnecessarily for those who are not coming, thinking you are running a little late. It’s absolutely fine to change your rsvp for any reason up until the walk begins, and you don’t need to leave a comment, send a message or give a reason, but if you don't click that 'change rsvp' button, you may be removed from the group. Membership Fee Did you know that while it is free to attend most events, Meetup charges organisers about $600 a year to organise a group? Members of the Walking Book Club are asked to pay a membership fee of $10 per year (not per event) to help cover this cost. When you join the group, you'll be automatically given a three month trial so you can see what the group is like, without needing to make any payment. If you would like to continue attending events after this, please follow Meetup's instructions to pay the $6.50US/approx $10AUD fee once per year (or contact group organisers if you would prefer to make payment using paypal, payID, cash or bank transfer).

We are moving to a new platform and will be only running the new platform in 2025. please signup here: [https://www.downtomeet.com/Melbourne-Writers](https://www.downtomeet.com/Melbourne-Writers) This is the time to write whatever it is you want to write. \-\-\-\-\-\> IMPORTANT <\-\-\-\-\-\-\- We ask for the Nook which is to your left as you go in, but it is not always available. Ask for the table under "Mat Clarke". Sometimes we do not have an official host, so please say hi to people as they arrive and make everyone feel welcome. Thanks. No limitations. Come along and bring your laptop or pen and paper and work on whatever you want. There are no rules :) You can write. You can chat and write. You can share your work. Or not share your work. (If you need silence to concentrate then headphones are a good idea considering it is in a cafe/bar.) Coffee, hot chocolate, etc., available to buy. Also food and drink. Please buy something to show our thanks for the space they give us free of charge. There are some people that will want to chat, but most will be writing. So bear that in mind. See you there :) \-\-\-\-\-\-Please only RSVP if you can make it\-\-\-\-\-\-\- \-\-\-\-\-\-Un\-RSVP if you need to cancel\-\-\-\-\-\-\- We're booking the area, so we will need you to turn up if you say you are coming. Thanks. Thank you, Melbourne Writers. Great Links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MelbWriters Website: www.worldwriterscollective.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/MelbCityWriters Blog: http://melbournewriters.wordpress.com **Help us by adding to these social pages and site**

For March we’ll be reading “All Her Fault” by Andrea Mara. As always, if you haven’t finished the book, or haven’t had a chance to read the book- please still join us for a wine with some like-minded ladies! I ask that you please only RSVP if you are absolutely committed to attending, and please update ASAP if you decide not to attend. This means that everyone who really wants to come can join us! RSVP OPENS SATURDAY MARCH 7th AT 12PM. *Please note the PayPal fee to join is to cover MeetUp admin app costs.

This event is dedicated to Theo Angelopoulos and his two masterpieces, Landscape in the Mist and Weeping Meadow. Remember to watch the films before coming and we will have an insightful discussion about them. Our topics include but not limited to how he manipulates time, the effects of the long take, social commentary in his films, and the juxtaposition of music and image.

## **⚽ Welcome to Street Football Culture** **📸 Instagram: [@streetfootballculture](https://www.instagram.com/streetfootballcult)** **Facebook:** https://www.facebook.com/share/19Vw4Xzbi5/?mibextid=wwXIfr **We’re a passionate community of street football Culture lovers who come together regularly to play, connect and celebrate the beautiful game. Our games are friendly, inclusive, and full of energy open to anyone, regardless of age, background, or skill level.** **🗓️ Weekly Game Details: Updated** **Join us for casual 6v6 futsal every Saturday night at Flagstaff Gardens Courts.** **📍 Location: 309–311 William St, West Melbourne VIC 3003** **🕓 Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM** **🏟️ Venue: Two side-by-side courts** **📢 Please arrive 10 minutes early to warm up and help set up teams.** ## **🎮 Match Format** **We’ll be forming four teams (A, B, C, D). Feel free to name your team if you're coming with a crew.** **Each team manages their own substitutions. Captains and vice-captains will coordinate things. If you're bringing your own squad, you’re welcome to stick together!** ### **🏆 Tonight's Game Schedule (Saturday)** **Match 1:** **🆚 Team A vs Team B** **🕖 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM** * **First Half: 25 mins** * **Half-Time: 5 mins** * **Second Half: 25 mins** * **Draw? Penalty Shootout (3–5 mins)** **Match 2:** **🆚 Team C vs Team D** **🕖 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM** * **Same format as Match 1** **Match 3: 3rd Place Playoff** **🆚 Losers of Match 1 vs Losers of Match 2** **🕗 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM** * **First Half: 25 mins** * **Half-Time: 5 mins** * **Second Half: 30 mins** * **Draw? Penalty Shootout** **Match 4: The Final** **🆚 Winners of Match 1 vs Winners of Match 2** **🕗 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM** * **Same format as Match 3** **Goalkeeper Rotation: Every player rotates into goal after a goal is conceded.** ## **👟 What to Bring** * **Footwear: Futsal shoes or runners only (artificial turf court)** * **Hydration: Water fountains available nearby** * **Toilets: Public restrooms close by courts (5-min walk)** ## **📢 Important Reminders** * **Participation is at your own risk. No insurance or on-site medical support is provided.** * **Respect the game. Respect each other.** * **Good vibes only — we value sportsmanship and inclusivity.** * **Celebrate everyone’s effort — win or lose, we’re one community.** ## **📲 How to Book Your Spot** https://forms.gle/f7W9kx1aQvJxDQzT8 **📱 WhatsApp: [https://whatsapp.com/](https://whatsapp.com/)** **📸 Instagram: [@streetfootballculture](https://www.instagram.com/streetfootballcult)** **Facebook:** https://www.facebook.com/share/19Vw4Xzbi5/?mibextid=wwXIfr **🎟️ Fee: $10 per player** **💳 Payment Options:** * **PayID** * **Bank Transfer** * **After payment, please take a screenshot and Either: Send it to us Via Message, or show it to us at the court.** * **Refund Policy** * **Full refunds are only offered if the event is cancelled (e.g. due to poor weather).** * **If you need to cancel, please give us at least 4 hours’ notice.** **🔥 Let’s Play!** **We can’t wait to see you on the pitch for another amazing on Saturday of futsal.** **Let’s bring the energy, the passion, and above all — the heart.** **See you there!** **#streetfootballculture**

## **DISCUSSION: definitions** **1\. Colonialism: definition** **Video = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOOpBnCSdps** **[‘What is Colonialism?’ | Douglas Murray](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOOpBnCSdps) \| 1 minute** **A Definition** "Western colonialism, a political-economic phenomenon whereby various European nations explored, conquered, settled, and exploited large areas of the world." (‘Western colonialism’ Britannica, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Western-colonialism) **2\. Decolonisation : definition** **Video= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_32LJcvQc0** **[‘What is Decolonization?’ | Helpful Professor Explains](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_32LJcvQc0) \| 3 minute** **A Definition** "While decolonisation has acquired an obvious importance in our times, it is not however a new phenomenon. In the past it had profound effects on the world's political structure. This was certainly the case with the revolutionary decolonisation which gave birth to the United States in the second half of the 18th century and the Latin American States in the first half of the 19th century; likewise with the progressive, peaceful emancipation of the British dominions over the best part of a hundred years.” (‘Factors of Decolonisation’ by F. Van Langenhove *Civilisations*, Vol. 11, No. 4 (1961), pp. 401-428 https://www.jstor.org/stable/41378282) **3\. Anti\-Colonialism / postcolonialism : definition** **Video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d92dN8EoAbc** **[‘Colonial Discourse: Postcolonial Theory concepts | Postcolonialism’ | Dr. Masood Raja](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d92dN8EoAbc) \| 0:00\-5:00** **A Definition** "The power to narrate, or to block other narratives from forming and emerging, is very important to culture and imperialism, and constitutes one of the main connections between them." — Edward Said, Culture and Imperialism (1993) ## **DISCUSSION: case-studies** **1\. Colonisation and de\-colonisation : "Mad dogs and Englishman go out in the midday sun"** | **Belgian Congo** | **West Papua** | **East Timor** | **South Africa** | | ------------- | ---------- | ----------- | ------------- | | | | | | **2 Anti-Colonialism / postcolonialism as a political (& interpretive?) paradigm** | **Oppressed / Oppressor** | **Narrative / Discourse** | **Edward Said “Orientalism”** | | ---------------------- | ---------------------- | ------------------------- | | | | | *"The Orient was almost a European invention, and had been since antiquity a place of romance, exotic beings, haunting memories and landscapes, remarkable experiences. . . . The Orient is not only adjacent to Europe; it is also the place of Europe’s greatest and richest and oldest colonies, the source of its civilizations and languages, its cultural contestant, and one of its deepest and most recurring images of the Other." Orientalism by Edward Said (1978)* **3\. Bible Translation vs Theological Syncretism** "The translation of the Bible was not just a literary exercise; it was an act of cultural empowerment. By adopting the mother tongue, the translator was saying that the culture of the people was a worthy vessel for the divine word. It gave people a sense of their own dignity and worth in the eyes of God." — Lamin Sanneh, Translating the Message (1989) **vs** "The danger of syncretism is not just that it introduces 'foreign' elements into the faith, but that it allows the 'world' to provide the framework, while the gospel is merely used to fill in the gaps. In syncretism, the gospel loses its power to challenge the culture because it has become a prisoner of the culture." — Lesslie Newbigin, The Gospel in a Pluralist Society (1989) **4\. Australian context: see image handout \(applied Anti\-Colonialism / postcolonialism ?\)**

**\*\*\*This is a pre-booking event. Please visit [artmasterclass.com.au](https://www.artmasterclass.com.au/) choose your lamp, use the MEETAMC10 coupon code, and make a reservation.\*\*\*** Join us for a hands-on workshop where families can learn the art of creating beautiful Turkish lamps together. This unique and engaging class will guide parents and kids through crafting intricate and colorful lamps. No prior experience is required, as our expert instructors will provide step-by-step instructions on design, assembly, and decorating techniques. This workshop is perfect for families and friends to bond, unleash their creativity, and take home a stunning handmade craft that can brighten any room. Come discover Turkish lamp-making's magic with your little ones in a fun and supportive environment. In this 2.5-hour workshop, you'll lose track of time and end up with a beautiful lamp to take home!

I hear great things about this book I can't wait to discuss. Let's talk about it!

North Bethesda Fiction Readers, put a hold on this page-turner NOW if you get your books from a public library. This is another work of historical fiction for us. In it, Lawhon "creates a stirring portrait of a real-life heroine." You can read the entire Kirkus Review [here](https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/ariel-lawhon/the-frozen-river/). We will meet in the common area of a condominium association called The Gallery at White Flint: 11710 Old Georgetown Rd. The organizer will greet everyone at the entrance. If the seating at the fireplace across from the entrance is not appealing, we will convene in the organizer's home. The concierge will not likely be of much help, so if you are running late, please let the organizer know. There is metered parking across the street. There is ample parking at the Randolph Shopping Center, nearby: 12255 Nebel Street, Rockville.

Let's read another intriguing novel: *Apples Never Fall* by Liane Moriarty. [Kirkus](https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/liane-moriarty/apples-never-fall-moriarty/) review sums it up as "Funny, sad, astute, occasionally creepy, and slyly irresistible." We will meet by the fireplace in the common area of a condominium association called the Gallery at White Flint. I will send more specific information about a day or two before we meet. The concierge *may* not be helpful. There is metered parking across the street. It can get crowded so you may want to consider parking in the commercial parking lot in front of [MOM's Organic Market](https://momsorganicmarket.com/rockville/) off Nebel St. Alternatively, take the subway. The Gallery at White Flint is in easy walking distance from the [North Bethesda Metro](https://www.wmata.com/rider-guide/stations/north-bethesda.cfm) (formerly White Flint Metro).

What role do the arts play in building strong, vibrant communities? How can creativity bring people together across differences, spark dialogue, and strengthen our shared sense of belonging? Join us for an open, engaging discussion on how visual art, music, theater, literature, film, and public art contribute to community life. Whether you’re an artist, arts supporter, educator, organizer, or simply someone who values culture, this conversation is for you. We’ll explore questions such as: * How do the arts create connection across cultural, generational, and social divides? * Can creative expression help communities heal after conflict or crisis? This is a dialogue — not a lecture — designed to surface diverse perspectives and lived experiences. Expect thoughtful conversation and opportunities to imagine new possibilities together. **All are welcome.**

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“The Secrets of Runes,”** on the origins, development, and interpretation of the runic script, with Lilla Kopár, runologist and a professor of medieval literature and culture at Catholic University. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-rune-secrets](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-rune-secrets) .] The fame of runes outshines that of any other ancient script. They can be found not just on Viking Age rune stones, but on Bilbo’s door and as the Bluetooth logo on your cell phone. Runic script is commonly associated with magic, used by modern practitioners of neopaganism, and in recent decades has captured the imagination of filmmakers and video game designers. Yet most of us know little about the historical origins of runes and have no clue how to read or use them. Come to Crooked Run Fermentation in Sterling, Va., to get schooled on runic script with the help of Lilla Kopár, a veteran scholar of runes who has earned a following among Profs and Pints fans by giving fantastic talks on medieval monsters and Norse mythology. As someone who has carried out extensive field research on runes, published several articles on runic objects, and even appeared on the History Channel commenting on runes in America, she’s exceptionally qualified to introduce you to runology and the fascinating things that runes tell us. Dr Kopár will discuss the development of runic script from its humble origins on the borders of the Roman Empire in the first or second century CE, through its popularity in the Viking world, to its use and misuse in modern times. She’ll discuss how runes are a set of related alphabets that underwent changes over time and she’ll describe what inspired changes in this writing system and where and how runes were used in the medieval period. Her richly illustrated talk will highlight some of the most intriguing objects with runic inscriptions, from humble bone fragments to impressive rune stones, and offer insight into the scholarly methods of deciphering and interpreting runic inscriptions. We’ll also look at the function of the runic script from simple practical notes and memorial inscriptions to cipher-runes and magic. The most fun might be the in-class assignment, which will involve reading a few runic inscriptions and writing your name and other words in runes. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. Talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: Part of Codex runicus, a rune manuscript written on animal skin and dating to about 1300 (University of Copenhagen / Wikimedia Commons).