December 10, 2002. In partnership with the School of Arts, CCNMTL is constructing a rich Multimedia Study Environment (MSE) based on Salman Rushdie's prize-winning novel Midnight's Children. The MSE will enhance the understanding and appreciation of this significant work by adding context to excerpts through direct links to glossaries of concepts and terms, profiles of relevant figures, video commentary, film, historical photographs, and artwork. The collaborative efforts of the School of Arts, the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) and the University Musical Society of the University of Michigan will bring this great work to the stage of the Apollo Theater in Harlem. Beyond the stage this MSE will serve multiple cross-disciplinary courses throughout the University. It will deliver an investigation of the turning points in the history of South Asia, literary commentary, dramaturgic critique and the process of its adaptation to the stage. Distinguishing features of the MSE include Rushdie's video commentary, interviews with director Tim Supple and other creative artists on the stage production team, and interviews with Columbia University faculty whose expertise complements and enhances the understanding of Rushdie's work and the cultural history of South Asia. These Columbia faculty conversations include Peter Awn, dean of the School of General Studies; Dennis Dalton, professor of political science; Nicholas Dirks, chair of anthropology; and Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak, professor of English.

An initial release of the MSE will be made mid-January and a more comprehensive version will be released May 2003.

Click here for video trailer of MSE project for Midnight's Children

See more on Midnight's Children including video excerpts