Lecture
Professor David Peimer
Saturday 7.11.2026
Professor David Peimer
The Misunderstood Marquis de Sade
Saturday 7.11.2026
How to watch
This lecture starts on 7 November at 5:00pm (UK).
Summary
Modern perceptions of Marquis de Sade (1740–1814) see him as a radical, disturbing philosopher of extreme individual autonomy who used transgression to show that nature is indifferent to human morality.
His texts are a dark mirror to the Enlightenment, exposing a social hypocrisy that preached virtue while weaponizing power. His shocking literature was informed by the horrors of his imprisonments and French history—from absolute monarchy to the bloody Reign of Terror and the guillotine. Join us as we delve into his influence on Surrealism, modern life, and human drives 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.