Roberta Kwan, Doctoral Candidate, Macquarie University

ANZAMEMS 2015 report

It was at the 2012 ANZAMEMS-sponsored PATS workshop at the University of Otago that I was helped to develop a deeper understanding of the necessarily interdisciplinary nature of research in the early modern period. While, as a literature student writing a PhD on Shakespeare and Reformation theology, I knew that my project sits somewhat at the intersection of literature and theology, I didn’t appreciate the breadth of knowledge from a range of other disciplines I would also require. I departed from the workshop with some constructive approaches to my project, and a lot of work to do.

That was in the first year of my PhD candidature. Nearing its end (hopefully) I was especially looking forward to the opportunity to hear from scholars across a range of disciplines at this year’s ANZAMEMS, including some people I met at the 2012 PATS. I enjoyed hearing Barnaby Ralph range across a number of disciplines in showing how the employment of humoral theory shifted from the medical to the artistic realm, and found Alexandra Walsham’s lecture particularly beneficial. The abundant and intriguing images she presented and discussed gave a rich sense of the material culture of the Reformation, and how the Reformation narrative was remembered by everyday English men and women. As Professor Walsham argued, the presence of theologically- and religiously-derived images on household items for both ideological and commemorative purposes provides evidence that nuances the widely-held perception of the reformers as unreservedly iconoclastic. This was an insight I found almost immediately relevant for my project. I was also pleased to see Shakespeare make several appearances in the programme, and to have the opportunity to hear some thought-provoking papers on various plays and aspects of performance.

I would like to thank the organisers of this year’s conference for putting together a stimulating, interdisciplinary programme. Thank you also to ANZAMEMS for supporting postgrad students, financially and otherwise—this was the second occasion in which I have been a grateful recipient.