Charleston's 'Literary Love Affair': A Valentine's Day Event

Roland dev
Feb 21, 2021
4 min read

Updated: Aug 5, 2024

Two performers in a historic, artistically decorated room at Charleston. The foreground shows one performer in a light fur coat and black hat, focusing intently. In the background, another performer, draped in a fur stole over a vintage outfit, reads from a paper. An art piece featuring a male nude figure stands on an easel to the right. The scene captures a moment from a dramatic reading event, emphasizing the historical and artistic ambiance of Charleston — Lauren John Joseph’ reads Virginia Woolf's letter

On Valentine's Day, The Charleston Trust hosted a unique and enchanting event titled 'Literary Love Affair.' This celebration brought to life the passionate correspondence between two literary giants, Virginia Woolf and Vita Sackville-West. The event featured dramatic readings of their love letters, performed by talented artists Lauren John Joseph and Pearl Mackie. These readings were captured in a series of four beautifully produced films by Shootlab, set against the evocative backdrop of Duncan Grant's Studio at Charleston in Sussex.

Event Highlights:

Performers: Lauren John Joseph as Virginia Woolf and Pearl Mackie as Vita Sackville-West.
Location: Duncan Grant's Studio, Charleston, Sussex.
Platform: Facebook Live.

Pearl Mackie, dressed in a light fur coat and black hat, stands in a room at Charleston, holding and reading from a paper. She faces the camera with a focused expression. The room features a large window with light streaming in, and various framed artworks can be seen in the background. The scene captures a moment from a dramatic reading event, highlighting Pearl Mackie's engaging performance in the historic and artistic setting of Charleston. — Pearl Mackie reading Vita Sackville-West love letter to Virginia Woolf

The Romance of Virginia Woolf and Vita Sackville-West

The relationship between Virginia Woolf and Vita Sackville-West is one of the most fascinating love stories in literary history. Their correspondence, which began in the 1920s, offers a vivid glimpse into their deep affection and intellectual companionship. Woolf, a central figure in the Bloomsbury Group, and Sackville-West, a renowned poet and novelist, shared a bond that transcended the conventional norms of their time. Their letters, filled with passion, wit, and literary critique, are treasured artifacts that reflect their profound connection.

Lauren John Joseph sits on the wooden floor in front of an antique, patterned settee at Charleston, holding and reading from a paper. Dressed in vintage attire with a fur stole and plaid pants, they appear deeply engaged in the performance. Scattered papers and an artistic backdrop enhance the historical and creative atmosphere of the setting. The scene captures Lauren John Joseph's expressive and immersive portrayal during a dramatic reading event in the historically rich environment of Charleston. — Lauren John Joseph’ reading Virginia Woolf's love letter to Vita Sackville-West

Bringing the Letters to Life

The Charleston Trust's Valentine's Day event was a fitting tribute to this iconic relationship. The choice of Duncan Grant's Studio as the setting was particularly poignant. Charleston, a country house in Sussex, was a hub for the Bloomsbury Group, a collective of writers, artists, and thinkers who shaped early 20th-century British culture. The studio, with its artistic ambiance, provided an intimate and historically rich environment for the readings.

Lauren John Joseph and Pearl Mackie delivered captivating performances, embodying the voices and emotions of Woolf and Sackville-West. Their portrayals were more than mere readings; they were immersive experiences that transported the audience back to the 1920s, allowing them to witness the unfolding of a remarkable love story.

About Lauren John Joseph:

Lauren John Joseph is an accomplished writer, performer, and artist known for their work in theatre and literature. They have a unique ability to bring historical and literary figures to life through their performances, capturing the essence and emotional depth of the characters they portray. Their portrayal of Virginia Woolf was both nuanced and powerful, offering a fresh perspective on the iconic writer.

earl Mackie stands next to a large, ornate mirror in an artistically decorated room at Charleston, holding and reading from a paper. She is dressed in a light fur coat with a red ribbon pinned to it and a black hat. Her expression is focused and engaged as she delivers her lines. The reflection in the mirror adds depth to the scene, enhancing the historical and artistic ambiance of the setting during a dramatic reading event. — Lauren John Joseph’ reading Virginia Woolf's love letter to Vita Sackville-West,

Pearl Mackie reading Vita Sackville-West love letter to Virginia Woolf played by Lauren John Joseph, filmed at Charleston, Sussex

About Pearl Mackie:

Pearl Mackie is a talented actress best known for her role as Bill Potts in the long-running television series Doctor Who. With a strong background in theatre, Mackie has a versatile acting range that allows her to tackle diverse roles with authenticity and passion. Her performance as Vita Sackville-West was both compelling and heartfelt, drawing the audience into the emotional landscape of the character.

The Impact of Facebook Live

Broadcasting the event on Facebook Live was a strategic decision that expanded its reach beyond the physical confines of Charleston. This platform allowed literature enthusiasts, historians, and fans of Woolf and Sackville-West from around the world to participate in the event. The live broadcast fostered a sense of community among viewers, who could interact and share their thoughts in real-time. It also underscored the potential of digital platforms to bring cultural and historical content to a broader audience.

The Role of Shootlab

Shootlab played a crucial role in the success of the event. Their expertise in videography ensured that the essence of the performances was captured with precision and artistry. The series of four films produced by Shootlab not only documented the event but also created a lasting tribute to the love letters of Woolf and Sackville-West. These films serve as valuable educational and cultural resources, preserving the legacy of these literary figures for future generations.

Reflections on Love and Literature

The 'Literary Love Affair' event was more than a celebration of a historical romance; it was a reflection on the enduring power of love and literature. The letters of Woolf and Sackville-West remind us of the ways in which love can inspire creativity and transcend societal boundaries. Their relationship, though unconventional, was a source of profound inspiration for both writers, influencing their works and their views on life.

Conclusion

The Charleston Trust's Valentine's Day event was a beautifully orchestrated homage to Virginia Woolf and Vita Sackville-West. Through the performances of Lauren John Joseph and Pearl Mackie, and the skilled videography of Shootlab, the event brought a piece of literary history to life. It highlighted the timeless nature of love and the power of the written word, resonating with audiences both near and far. As we reflect on this event, we are reminded of the many forms that love can take and the enduring impact of literary art.

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