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Lecture

Professor David Peimer
The King’s Speech: Finding a Voice When a World Needed It

Saturday 28.02.2026

How to watch

This lecture starts on 28 February at 5:00pm (UK).

Summary

World War II shadows this Academy Award-winning film. Made with surprising Jewish connections, an insecure king and an unorthodox Australian therapist embark on an intimate exploration of a king’s vulnerability. Elegantly, the film reveals the quiet dignity of a human spirit finding his voice when a nation—and the world—needed it.

Professor David Peimer

An image of 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.