Professor David Peimer
The Beat Generation, Part 1: Kerouac and the Poets
Summary
The discussion revolves around the Beat Generation, with a focus on Jack Kerouac and his seminal work “On the Road” (1957). Langston Hughes, an influential African American poet, is also brought into the conversation, with an exploration of the connections between their works and jazz music. Highlighting tensions between Kerouac’s perspective and the subsequent sixties generation, Professor David Peimer probes Kerouac’s motivations and influences, notably his Catholic upbringing. The discussion further emphasizes Kerouac’s pivotal role in the emergence of the Beat Generation alongside Allen Ginsberg and William Burroughs. Part 1 of 2.
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.