The West Chester University Department of Geography and Planning presented “In Search of the Holy Grail: The DaVinci Connection” by photojournalist Frank Klicar on Monday March 27 and Tuesday March 29, a presentation focused on Klicar’s travels and his attempt to uncover the truth behind the many theories of the Holy Grail.The presentation consisted of a series of photos and video clips, with a narration by Klicar, and addressed the many legends related to the Holy Grail. In Christian mythology, the Grail is known as the dish, plate or cup used by Jesus at The Last Supper, and is said to have mystical powers.
While the Christian theory about the Holy Grail has been popular throughout much of history, it has been questioned more and more in recent years.
Klicar began his presentation with a series of clips and videos from his travels to Europe and the Middle East, particularly the Holy Land, the setting of The Last Supper.
Klicar discussed his travels to Scotland, Wales and England to investigate the relation of the Holy Grail to King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table.
He documented his experiences and led the audience to question the existence of King Arthur, as well as the possibility of the Holy Grail making its way to Britain during the fifth century.
“Yes and no are both wrong,” Klicar said, regarding the question of whether King Arthur had any relation to the Grail.
Also included in Klicar’s presentation was a trip to France, where he investigated the Knights Templar, a literate and aggressive secret society founded in 1117 in France who questioned the authority of the Pope and the Catholic religion.
Klicar ended his journey in the eastern Mediterranean, where he traveled from the valley of the Nile in Egypt to the shores of Lake Tana in Ethiopia, a site also said to be the home of the Holy Grail.
Klicar also explained and questioned the tale of Rennes le Chateau, a village in southern France where a priest made a discovery that made him a millionaire. It leads many to believe that what he had discovered was the Holy Grail.
The popularity of “The DaVinci Code” as a best-selling book by Dan Brown in 2003 and a high grossing movie starring Tom Hanks in 2006 has sparked new interest in the many theories related to The Holy Grail.
Klicar is one of eight film producers granted membership to the Society of American Travel Writers.
On Monday April 23 and Tuesday April 24, the Department of Geography and Planning will present “Natural Wonders of the Northeast Coast” by photojournalist and internationally recognized cinematographer John Holod.
The presentation, which will cover Holod’s 1500-mile trip from Virginia Beach to the Maine/Canada border, is the finale of the department’s eight part series.
The presentation will take place in Sykes Theater at 7 p.m. on both nights, with a pre-program buffet dinner held in Sykes Ballroom C at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday.
The cost for the film is $8 per person; the dinner is $29 per person.
For more information email arengert@wcupa.edu.