Lecture
Professor David Peimer
Saturday 11.04.2026
Professor David Peimer
Portrayals of Jesus in Film and Theatre
Saturday 11.04.2026
How to watch
This lecture starts on 11 April at 5:00pm (UK).
Summary
Each generation sees Jesus in its own way; every era in history reflects him through the lens of its times, and every individual imagines him in their own mind’s eye. Jesus has been viewed as reverent, as God, as a controversial revolutionary, as human, and as a teacher. Depictions range from strictly scriptural to radical reimaginings that explore his humanity, psychology, and historical impact. Join us as we explore fascinating portrayals of this unique and remarkably influential man in film and theatre. From the extremes of satire to the divine, we ask—how do these visions of Jesus resonate 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.