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1947: Prof Does Battle; Student's World Opens
The last time I was on campus was fifty years ago so time has dimmed my memories. Most of my life on campus has been blended into a wonderful montage. I do remember various faculty members and many hours spent at Ewing Hall rehearsing for stage productions because theater was my major and acting has been a life long activity for me. There is however, one specific lecture by one professor that made a lasting impression on me and helped set the future course of my life.
I was enrolled in an English Lit class taught by Professor Paul Kendall. He was always an energetic lecturer and his enthusiasm made it a class I never wanted to miss. In the course of the semester, we finally got around to Shakespeare. Until that time, I had very limited exposure to the Bard and recall our first reading assignment was Henry V. I did plod through the assigned reading with very little appreciation for the play.
The day following my reading of Henry V Professor Kendall gave a lecture that turned things around for me. When he discussed Henry's speech to his troops before the battle of Agincourt he read the text with such fervor and so much passion I could hardly believe that he was reading the same play that I had read the night before. I was ready to go into battle with Henry. Then when he got to the battle he waved his imaginary sword and raced across the room doing battle in front of the class until the fighting was done.
That one lecture opened the whole world of Shakespeare for me. It showed me that Shakespeare could be dramatic and full of action. Since that time I have played roles in Shakespeare productions and directed a few. Without this one lecture, I think I would have shied away from the Bard in place of appreciating him.
H. Eugene Dybvig
BFA '47; 51
