INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR CONTEMPORARY LITERATURE AND THEATRE ©2022
The founder, Prof. Gordon Bennett- 1975 -
ISCLT: WHO, WHY, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE
Before the Fellows of Salzburg Seminar 148 – Contemporary American Literature, July 1973 – left Schloss Leopoldskron the spirit of reunion was alive. A small two-week conference, at Arundel, Sussex, during August 1974 featured a dozen papers, dramatic performances and readings, excursions, and exotic cuisine. Some randomly-invited Fellows of the 1972 and 1974 Salzburg theatre groups joined the 1973 Fellows in Florence, where, at the end of two weeks of by now traditional activities, thirty-four people, including spouses, decided to form the INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR CONTEMPORARY LITERATURE AND THEATRE (ISCLT), which was officially founded in 1975.
The 1976 conference at Alnwick Castle, in Northumberland, broke new ground with an overall theme (‘Alienation’), an extended excursion to the Edinburgh Festival, and the appointment of Professors Denis Donoghue, Richard Ellman, Martin Esslin, Sergio Perosa and Tamas Ungvary as advisors (now ISCLT’s ‘FOUNDING BOARD OF ADVISORS’).
Executive Secretary: Dr. Marina Catalano-Mc Vey
ISCLT 1975-2025 - 50th Anniversary – Zagreb 2025
FROM BELMA ÖTÜŞ BASKETT’s letter (HONORARY PRESIDENT)
Dear NISCLTers (New ISCLTers),
Do you remember CHISCLTers (children of) and SISCLTers (spouse of) … ISCLTers? Did we use any other such terms over the years? These may have been coined by Bob Belflower. Anyway, now on to my letter proper.
I was very happy to be with you at the 2025 conference, which was very special as it was the celebration of our 50th anniversary. We had a great time – a combination of serious works, good fun, friendship, and human warmth. All in spite of the extra heat of global warming. It was a very good sign that our younger members were there and took on new responsibilities, which gave a new impetus to our society. The least we could do is to give them free reign for changes they will make by adding NEW to the name of our society.
We were each presented with a copy of A Festschrift for ISCLT, which is a handsome volume. I want to heartily congratulate the editors, Jennifer, Jenny, and Bob. It is a historical and literary testament to our existence and well-being.
FROM MARINA CATALANO-MC VEY, Executive Secretary
The 2025 conference in Zagreb (Croatia) was very successful and joyful. It was a special event. We celebrated the 50th anniversary in an enthusiastic atmosphere, well aware of this extraordinary achievement. We had many participants, excellent contributions, music entertainment and a wonderful Festschrift, which was produced by Jennifer Church, Jenny Gonzalez and Bob Richardson. We are very grateful to them for their immense effort and for the excellent result.
What is the secret of ISCLT's longevity? We have always followed the rules as expressed in ISCLT By-laws, and throughout the years this Society has inspired many of us, encouraging exploration of new trends in contemporary literature and theatre, creativity, innovation and allowing us to discover various new interesting places. Respect of diversities beyond political and religious differences, worlds and mentalities far apart has improved international understanding and created a wonderful group of friends sharing the same values. It was the right time to make changes, which should ensure ISCLT's future. To this purpose, we considered that it was necessary to prioritize younger members' wishes and needs, since they are the future. So we took important decisions about a new ISCLT structure:
- the conference duration will be shortened to one full week, plus arrival and departure days (8 nights) including lectures, workshops, one half-day excursion, a Business Meeting and Final Banquet,
- the conference period will be at the end of August, beginning of September; moreover, online activities will be encouraged in order to attract younger members as well as allow older members, who cannot travel anymore, to stay in touch and contribute.
INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR CONTEMPORARY LITERATURE AND THEATRE©2022