Lecture
Professor David Peimer
Saturday 31.10.2026
Professor David Peimer
Witches in Literature
Saturday 31.10.2026
How to watch
This lecture starts on 31 October at 5:00pm (UK).
Summary
Join us as we delve into the fascinating myths about witches that have evolved in literature from ancient times to Macbeth and to our modern era. Is the witch an image of subversion or a metaphor for forbidden knowledge—a connection to wild and spiritual ideas that challenge institutional authority? And, historically, is the witch a persecuted figure—an agent of cosmic evil? Or, today, is she seen as a symbol of marginal and magical ways of thinking—or symbol of spiritual kitsch?
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.