Star Wars: The Hero’s Journey

By David Johanssen

The iconic thinker, Joseph Campbell, believed in the concept of “monomyth” (one myth), i.e., the theory that all mythic narratives are variations of a single great story. The theory holds that a common pattern exists beneath the narrative elements of most great myths, regardless of their origin or time of creation.

In the 1970s, Hollywood director George Lucas was intrigued by this and so, working with Campbell, he created the Star Wars Trilogy with its timeless themes of world mythology. In the series’ three first Star Wars films, all the elements that Campbell identified are dutifully followed, making for audiences one of the most viscerally satisfying stories of “The Hero’s Journey” ever told.

Come learn the deeper meaning of the Star Wars saga as revealed by Joseph Campbell’s insights into timeless story-telling, hosted by noted author and historian Kathryn Gillett, who will supply observations and commentary throughout the three original films.

Using the motifs and archetypes of what Campbell calls “The Hero’s Journey,” Kathryn identifies 50 international novels and films sharing these same motifs and archetypes—that she calls “The Ancient Bones of Story”—which seem deeply ingrained in our psyche. You’ll never see Luke (or his father) the same way again!

The Star Wars Trilogy continues with The Empire Strikes Back on Friday, July 20, at 5pm and The Return of the Jedi on Friday, July 27 at 5pm. Kathryn Gillet will give commentary on “hero” elements she has noted throughout each film to help you see how Campbell and Lucas crafted such timeless stories.

Saturday, July 21, at 6pm: Neil Young Live in Ontario. Neil recently celebrated the release of a new album The Visitor with a special acoustic “hometown” concert in Omemee, Ontario. Over the course of the intimate gig, a solo Young dusts off songs he hasn’t performed live in decades, including “There’s a World” and “Don’t Be Denied.” The concert also features classics like “Helpless,” “Heart of Gold” and “Old Man,” before concluding with “Sugar Mountain.” In Shelter’s High-Definition and surround-sound version, you’ll feel every note of this unique and passionate show by a master!

Shelter Theater is an easy 10-minute walk down from the Jardín! See our calendar at www.sheltervg4.com for dates and online tickets. Find our logo on the Que Pasa map in the upper left-hand corner. We reserve the right to refuse service due to our limited handicapped access. Write sheltervg4@gmail.com for details.

Film

The Empire Strikes Back

Fri, Jul 20, 5pm

100 pesos

Concert on Screen

Neil Young Live in Ontario

Sat, Jul 21, 6pm

120 pesos

Live Music/Variety

Open Mic

Tue, Jul 24, 7:30pm

70 pesos (inc drink)