Location
Queen Mary University of London
Join a galaxy of talent from the worlds of historical fiction, politics and diplomacy, feminism and drama to ask ‘Why History Matters’
History has never been more popular – or more contested. It inspires novelists and playwrights, screen-writers and film-makers. It is debated by politicians, argued about by activists and inspires movements for and against social change.
In this free public event, we bring together a galaxy of talent from the worlds of historical fiction (Sarah Waters, Stella Tillyard), politics and diplomacy (Michael Gove, Gill Bennett), feminism (Natasha Walter) and drama (Paterson Joseph) to ask ‘Why History Matters’. How do we do it well? How can we communicate it better? What can novelists, politicians, actors and activists learn from the past – and from each other?
This star-studded public event celebrates Queen Mary’s long tradition of outreach, higher journalism and public service, epitomized by the careers and charisma of (Lord) Peter Hennessy and Professor Lisa Jardine. Two panels, chaired by BBC Radio 4’s Tom Sutcliffe, will debate the role of history in politics and history in fiction, and take questions from the audience. The event will conclude with a drinks party to a jazz piano accompaniment.
The event is organised by the broadcaster and historian Amanda Vickery, the School of History at Queen Mary, the Mile End Institute, and the Raphael Samuel History Centre. Tickets are free, but must be booked in advance on Eventbrite. We anticipate a full house, so book early to avoid disappointment.
For more information and to register, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/history-east-a-festival-of-history-at-queen-mary-tickets-1258147225219?aff=oddtdtcreator