Lecture
Professor David Peimer
Saturday 14.11.2026
Professor David Peimer
Robinsoe Crusoe: Individual Resourcefulness or ‘Civilising Mission’? Or Both?
Saturday 14.11.2026
How to watch
This lecture starts on 14 November at 5:00pm (UK).
Summary
Join us as we delve into one of the most fascinating books ever written. Daniel Dafoe’s 1719 novel is an Enlightenment story showing how the rise of economic individualism applies rational resourcefulness to conquer a wild, chaotic natural world. While the subjugation of Friday portrays the paradox of the “civilising mission” and how to justify domination. Crusoe’s solitary exile also strips away societal distractions and forces his physical struggle for survival into a story of redemption. And his island dominion links with European imperialism, where the extraction of resources and deployment of property display the urges of empire—just like, one might ask, today?
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.