Jean Cocteau’s 1946 adaptation of Marie Leprince de Beaumont’s fairy tale is an inventive and stylized depiction of erotic obsession, about a young woman’s discovery of a ravaged soul beneath a monstrous beast.

Cocteau’s film is widely hailed as a groundbreaking and influential work of cinematic art, and film critic Roger Ebert called it “one of the most magical of all films.” This event is free and open to the public.

On Thursday, Dec. 9, FSU literature professor Mary Ann Chapman will lead two presentations entitled “Myth & Fairy Tales;” one for children and one for adults. From 4 to 5:30 p.m., children, ages 6 to 12, are invited to learn all about traditional fairy tales with fun activities. Attendance is limited to 30 children and prior registration is required. Adults are welcome to stay and observe. From 7 to 8 p.m., adults and older teens are invited to a program exploring the mythic and psychosexual connections between the celebrated fairy tale “Beauty and the Beast” and other animal bridegroom tales such as the myth of “Cupid and Psyche.” A question-and-answer session with Professor Chapman will follow. Both talks will also take place in the Lane University Center Atkinson Room, 201.

The week will culminate on Saturday, Dec. 11, with performances of "Beauty and the Beast," presented by the Enchantment Theatre Company, at 3 and 7 p.m. performances in the Performing Arts Center's Drama Theatre.

For more information on these activities, please contact Susan Manger at 301-687-7420 or by email at smanger@frostburg.edu.

This project is partially sponsored by a grant from Pennsylvania Performing Arts on Tour, a program developed and funded by the Vira I. Heinz Endowment; the William Penn Foundation; the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, a state agency; and The Pew Charitable Trusts; and administered by Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation.