University of Cambridge

In the UK to promote her autobiography, My Life So Far, The Centre has arranged for Jane Fonda to spend one whole day in the city. She will be the guest speaker 'in conversation' with Professor Juliet Mitchell, from the Centre for Gender Studies, and New York University Professor Carol Gilligan, a visiting professor affiliated with the centre.

Then later the same day, Jane will join a discussion at the Arts Centre about her films, and a series of her most memorable movies will begin showing with 'Julia'.

Jane Fonda has been passionate about gender studies for many years and her book aims to provide messages for women of all ages. Now in her 60s, Jane looks back over her life in the book but also looks forward to the future. With great honesty she addresses among other things, her tragic relationship with her mother; her tortured one with her father, her friendships with her husbands and other men and women in her life, her passions and political views.

'It is a terrific honour to have Jane Fonda participate in our In Conversation series,' said Professor Mitchell. 'She is a major figure in modern cultural history and famous for so many different roles. While most women will never be Hollywood actresses, and few amongst us are poltical activists, Jane has so many important experiences of ordinary life simply led at an extreme edge that 'everywoman' and 'everyman' can share and relate to.'

The Cambridge Centre for Gender Studies aims to be a world leading institution for the study of questions relating to gender in modern society. Its two main functions are to act as a generator of cutting edge research and as a platform for teaching future generations.

In Conversation is free and open to all and takes place at Great St Mary's Church, St Mary's Passage, on June 7 from 1 p.m. to 2.30pm.


Reproduced courtesy Universityof Cambridge Press Office