Professor David Peimer
Nixon and Lincoln on Film: Heroes and Villains?
Summary
We will look at how Nixon and Lincoln have been portrayed in certain films, asking what kinds of heroes/villains they were. Although based on historical fact, looking at the characters through fictional eyes inevitably shapes a specific and fascinating perspective that influences so much of our modern perceptions of them. In this presentation, we will also explore how fiction frames historical stories to become foundational myths in a society.
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 in New York, UK, Berlin, EU Parliament (Brussels), Athens, Budapest, Zululand and more. He has most recently directed Dame Janet Suzman in his own play, Joanna’s Story, at London Jewish Book Week. He has published widely with books including: Armed Response: Plays from South Africa, 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.