Undaunting Dante:
The Divine Comedy through Art, Music and Storytelling
Winter 2018
AAUW, Raven Theater, Healdsburg
Dante's Divine Comedy has been called the most beautiful poem ever written- but it is much more than that: it is a brilliant work of imagination that weaves together Greek and Roman myth, European history and a pathway of universal spiritual development with deep cross cultural resonances. Written during the "dark woods" of Dante's midlife, amid a series of catastrophes, it is an epic achievement that saved the author's own life- and can immeasurably enrich our own. In this three week seminar (that will also be archived as an online webinar), we will explore the historical and religious background of the Comedy, and dive into this fascinating journey of the soul through art, poetry and myth. Each class will feature a live performance of music found in or inspired by Dante's Divine Comedy and end with questions for journaling or shared reflection so that you can discover how Dante's story can be a map of the development for your own inner transformation.
Week One: Dante's World
Love, Loss, Longing and Disaster
Week Two: Inferno Part I
Hot Sins and the Ways We Fool Ourselves
Week Three: Inferno Part II
Where Our Hearts Grow Cold
Week Four: Purgatory Part I
Arriving On the Shores of Humility
Week Five: Purgatory Part II
The Journey of Hope in Community
Week Six: Paradise and Homecoming
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Dante's Divine Comedy has inspired some of the most famous artworks throughout history, though few people actually know the origins of their inspiration. Rodin's lifelong love affair with Dante's work resulted in some of his most passionate and moving statues, including (from bottom left) " "The Kiss", depicting the infernal lovers Paolo and Francesca, and "The Thinker"- a portrait in stone of Dante which was originally titled "The Poet." Kayleen leads seasonal tours on Rodin and Dante at the Cantor Collection at Stanford University and at the Legion of Honor in San Francisco. Check back for upcoming dates
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