New Stories from Ancient Myths - A Masterclass with Writer in Residence Charlotte Higgins
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10am
This day masterclass uses classical myths to stimulate new ideas and pieces of writing. As Charlotte says, the essence of classical myth is its malleability; constantly reinvented, rethought and rewritten, the myth offers freedom and scope to contemporary writers. The group will look at how authors, contemporary and classical, have made mythical stories speak anew, and how artists have treated myth in painting and sculpture. Using a chosen myth, each member of the group will produce a short piece of writing to share with the class. Participants will end the day with the start of a new piece of prose, poetry or drama.
Charlotte Higgins is the Guardian’s chief culture writer. Aside from her work for the Guardian, Charlotte is a columnist for Prospect, has contributed to the New Yorker and Frieze, and has written and presented documentaries for BBC radio. With the exception of 2015’s timely examination of the history of the national broadcaster (This New Noise: The Extraordinary Birth and Troubled Life of the BBC), Charlotte’s books have all focused on aspects of the classical world. It’s All Greek to Me (2008) and Latin Love Lessons (2007) are witty, informative celebrations of the encounter with Greece and Rome; 2013’s Under Another Sky: Journeys in Roman Britain tracks the ancient world a little closer to home and was described by the Sunday Times as ‘a haunting, lyrical look at Roman Britain and its echoes in our culture’. Charlotte’s latest book is Red Thread: On Mazes and Labyrinths. Called ‘a masterwork’ by Ali Smith, it was a Radio 4 Book of the Week. Charlotte is a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries and was recently selected by novelist Elif Shafak as one of ‘ten brilliant female writers working in the UK today’ for a British Council/PEN showcase.
Image: David Levene
Tickets are priced at £45 which includes lunch and tea / coffee.
Please note that in 2020 one place on each of our Writer in Residence masterclasses will be reserved for a new access initiative. Details coming soon.
Please note that tickets for this event are e-tickets. Book online and have your ticket emailed directly to you – then save the environment by bringing along your e-ticket on your phone or tablet and have it scanned as you enter the event. If you would prefer to print your ticket, black and white is fine.
A print and collect service is available to those without access to email facilities for a small charge to cover our admin costs. Call 01244 532350 or email [email protected] for more information. Printed tickets will be available to collect from Reception before the event.