Concurrent with each mainstage production, Burning Coal will present one or more lectures conducted by guest scholars on topics central to the theme of the play being presented. These lectures will be presented at 6:00 pm prior to the play performance and will be free to anyone holding a reservation for any performance of the play (limited seating – availability on first come, first served basis).

Lecture for Man of La Mancha

Feb 4, 2012

Lecture by Raleigh author Lucy Daniels

Prior to  Man of La Mancha

On the first Saturday of the run of Man of La Mancha, Burning Coal’s Lobby Lecture series will continue with a discussion of the impact of Cervantes’ Don Quixote on Western Culture.  Joining us for the discussion will be scholars from Raleigh author Lucy Daniels speaking on “The Pros and Cons of Misfortune–Using Them To The Hilt.”

Henry V and the Battle of Agincourt

Dec 10, 2011

Lecture by Dr. Philip van Vleck

Prior to  Henry V (on Trapeze)

Burning Coal Theatre Company’s Lobby Lectures series will present Dr. Philip van Vleck, NCSU History professor, speaking on Henry V and the Battle of Agincourt. The Battle of Agincourt was one of the greatest military victories of all time. The lecture focuses on Henry V’s tactical brilliance in the face of a French force that outnumbered his army by about 6 to 1. The English should have lost this battle. Instead, they triumphed, by virtue of their personal courage and the leadership of Henry V.

DR. PHILIP VAN VLECK
Dr. van Vleck grew up on a farm in Tulsa County, Oklahoma. He received his MFA in Acting/Directing from the University of Oklahoma School of Drama and his Ph.D. from Duke U in Reformation Studies and the History of Early Modern Europe. Dr. van Vleck is currently a Lecturer on Europe in the Middle Ages and Early Modern Europe in the NCSU History Department, where he has taught since 1990. Dr. van Vleck lives in Cary and has three daughters.