“Streaming History” series takes off with former WC alum 

By Faith Jarrell

Student Life Editor

On Thursday, April 11, the new Starr Center series “Streaming History” premiered via Zoom call at 7:30 p.m. with guest and Washington College alum Phaedra Scott ‘14.  

In an email sent out by the director of the Starr Center for the Study of the American Experience Adam Goodheart on Friday, April 5, the series “will include the creators of some of the most acclaimed and successful recent online network series, all of which are inspired by historical stories.”  

The first event in this series featured Scott, who discussed her upcoming work on the television show “King Shaka,” which is produced by major networks CBS and Showtime.  

Scott, a former theatre major, is now a dramaturg and writer and helped script for “King Shaka.” According to Scott’s website, her work “lies at the intersection between history, fantasy, and science fiction.” 

Associate Professor of English and Director of the Rose O’Neill Literary House Dr. James Hall referenced how Scott’s time at Washington College aided her in her field.

“She discussed how her liberal arts education allowed her to weave together history, storytelling, and character motivation to provide a realistic portrayal of a historic person,” Dr. Hall said.

However, the show is rumored to have been axed from the air. According to Deadline, “King Shaka, which is being headlined by Charles Babalola, was permanently shut down.” While Deadline noted that CBS is “exploring other options for the series,” it is not clear what the future of “King Shaka” will be.

The “Streaming History” series is set to continue on Thursday, April 18, and Thursday, April 25. Both meetings are set to happen via Zoom at 7:30 p.m. The event on April 18 will be a discussion on LGBTQ+ love and Edgar Allan Poe, while the event on April 25 will be with a showrunner for Disney+ show “Percy Jackson & the Olympians.” 

“Attending events, particularly ones featuring recent stellar alumni, can help students learn about industries into which they may want to break, and also how to draw on the skills of their liberal arts training,” Dr. Hall said.

According to Goodheart’s previously mentioned email, “Each program will give students and others a chance to participate in conversations with the series creators. Programs are free and open to the public.” 

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