Lecture
Professor David Peimer
Saturday 9.05.2026
Professor David Peimer
Fascinating ‘50s Theatre: Two Giants - Arthur Miller, Tennessee Williams
Saturday 9.05.2026
How to watch
This lecture starts on 9 May at 5:00pm (UK).
Summary
If history is a nightmare from which we are trying to awaken, what do we discover in their writings? David Peimer delves into the brilliant theatre of Arthur Miller (1915–2005) and the poetic depths of Tennessee Williams (1911–1983), exploring our dreams, hopes, disillusionment, and delusion. As Miller said, the 20th century needs “a license to speak at full throat.” Join us as we examine their work through two of their plays and see how they 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.