Lecture
Professor David Peimer
Saturday 27.12.2025
Professor David Peimer
Christmas in the Popular Imagination
Saturday 27.12.2025
How to watch
This lecture starts on 27 December at 5:00pm (UK).
Summary
What is Christmas in the popular imagination and why do so many need the stories? Join us as we delve into how billions see Christmas: Is it merely the global marketing of merchandise? Is it about unbelievable stories more epic than any writer could imagine (angels, travelling stars, virgin birth, adorned green trees)? Or is it about how the imagination creates fantastical stories so people can remake the quiet despair of reality for a brief moment—to mobilize magic and wonder, nostalgia, family and togetherness, ancient chants? Ultimately, why are stories—imagined fictions—at the core of human societies?
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.