Lecture
Professor David Peimer
Saturday 25.07.2026
Professor David Peimer
Images Tell a Story: Putin and Zelensky, Before and During the War
Saturday 25.07.2026
How to watch
This lecture starts on 25 July at 5:00pm (UK).
Summary
Before the Ukraine-Russia war, photos of Putin and Zelensky contrasted a calculated, sterile image of Russian state authority against the casual, energetic demeanor of a media-savvy political outsider. As the conflict began, visual narratives shifted dramatically, capturing Putin increasingly isolated at the ends of exceptionally long boardroom tables while Zelensky filmed himself on the streets of Kyiv in olive drab military garb. Today, the ongoing imagery continues to tell a story of contrasts, positioning Putin within the rigid, opulent frames of traditional Kremlin power while Zelensky is defined by raw, exhausted frontline interactions with soldiers and global leaders. Join us as we explore the fascinating notion of storytelling history through images in our current media driven world.
Professor David Peimer
David Peimer is a Professor of Literature, Film and Theatre in the UK. He has worked for the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, New York University (Global Division) and was a Fulbright Scholar at Columbia University. Born in South Africa, David has won numerous awards for playwriting and directing. He has most recently directed Dame Janet Suzman in his own play, Joanna’s Story, at London Jewish Book Week. He has published numerous books, including Armed Response: Plays from South Africa and the digital book Theatre in the Camps. He is on the board of the Pinter Centre (London), and has been involved with the Mandela Foundation, Vaclav Havel Foundation and directed a range of plays at Mr Havel’s Prague theatre.