Lecture
Professor David Peimer
Saturday 11.07.2026
Professor David Peimer
The Synagogues of Prague and the Golem: The Presence of Absence?
Saturday 11.07.2026
How to watch
This lecture starts on 11 July at 5:00pm (UK).
Summary
Hitler did not destroy the beautiful, historic Prague synagogues because he wanted them kept as the “Museum of the Extinct Species.” Join us as we explore these remarkable stone sanctuaries where centuries of deep-rooted Jewish life and mysticism once flourished. It was here that the legendary Golem was created—a supernatural creation of folklore meant to defend the Jewish community. We also look at how, today, these synagogues are vital, living monuments to the tragedy of the Holocaust and explore how they have become haunting reminders of the presence of absence.
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.