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Lecture

Professor David Peimer
Exodus on Film: Two Superb Movies

Saturday 4.04.2026

How to watch

This lecture starts on 4 April at 5:00pm (UK).

Summary

Join us as we delve into the biblical epic, so resonant today. As Moses discovers his true purpose, we explore the key foundational story of the Jewish people: from slavery to freedom. We also look at the historical epic starring Paul Newman, which depicts the founding of Israel. Based on Leon Uris’s best-selling novel, we follow the story of a passionate leader who smuggles 600 Jewish refugees out of a British internment camp in Cyprus aboard the cargo ship Exodus, bound for Israel. They navigate dangerous political waters and escalating conflict between British forces, Jewish paramilitary groups, and Arab nationals in a quest for independence, a homeland, and freedom.

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.