Conference focuses on the poetics and uses of allegory in 17th century France

On May 8, 9 and 10, York  University will host the 13th conference of the Centre international de rencontres sur le 17e siècle (CIR 17). The conference, “S’exprimer autrement: poétique et enjeux de l’allégorie à l’époque classique”, will focus on the poetics and uses of allegory in 17th century France.

Some 30 scholars in the field of early modern French studies will be attending the conference. High profile participants include, Gilles Declercq, professor at the Institute of Theatrical Studies at the Sorbonne-Nouvelle, and authors Anne-Elisabeth Spica and Pierre Ronzeaud.

The CIR 17 was founded in 1991, born out of a desire to take full advantage of the many collections of texts from the French Ancien Régime that are scattered throughout the world. The conference promotes encounters between researchers who know and use these collections. The scope of the association’s biannual meetings is interdisciplinary and covers every aspect of 17th-century French culture, including literature, arts, philosophy, history, science and other areas.

The organizers welcome the general public and admission is free. The times and venues are:

• Thursday, May 8, from 9am to 6pm (Harry Crowe Room, Atkinson Building);
• Friday, May 9, from 9am to 6pm and Saturday, May 10, from 9am to 12pm (Senate Room, N940 Ross Building).

The first day of the conference features an opening-night concert with music from various adaptations of Moliere’s tragedy-ballet, Psyché. The concert, which will be held in the McLean Performance Studio in the Accolade East Building, is open to the public.

Tickets are $20 (regular) and $10 (students) and are available at the door. For more information on the conference, contact York French Studies Professor Marie-Christine Pioffet at mpioffet@yorku.ca.