Lecture: Celebrity Actors & Actresses on Playing Real People

From Kirsty Sedgman
kirsty.sedgman@bristol.ac.uk

The School of Arts at the University of Bristol are delighted to announce that this year’s annual STR Wickham Lecture will be given by our new Head of School, Professor Mary Luckhurst. We invite our MECCSA colleagues to join us here at Bristol Uni for a fascinating talk and Q&A on Prof. Luckhurst’s research, followed by the chance to socialise afterwards over wine and soft drinks!

Society for Theatre Research: Wickham Lecture 2019’Celebrity Actors & Actresses on Playing Real People’: Prof. Mary Luckhurst (Head of School of Arts, Bristol Uni)FREE lecture followed by Q&A and drinks reception

Date: Wed 22 May 2019Location: Wickham Theatre, Vandyck Bldg, Cantock’s Close, Bristol Uni, BS8 1UPCost: FREE, but booking essential: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/60463318413Time: 18:00-20:30 (doors open at 6pm for 6.20pm start, with lecture + Q&A followed by drinks reception)

In recent years the playing of a real person has become a significant measure of esteem, akin to the stature of a Shakespearean role. BAFTAs and Oscars frequently go to actors who have played real-life monarchs, scientists, politicians, activists, writers and artists. The contemporary market for the consumption of real lives is leading to an ever-increasing demand for actors to play or impersonate real people. But what are the challenges of playing a real person? In this lecture, Professor Luckhurst reflects on leading actors who have played eminent real-life figures, including Judi Dench, Helen Mirren, Nicole Kidman and Gary Oldman. How does an actor prepare to play a real person when the theory and practice of performance are predicated on fictional characters? What are the ethical challenges and emotional dilemmas of playing an actual person? These are just some of the questions this lecture explores. See here for further details and to book your free place today: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/60463318413
Dr. Kirsty Sedgman
Researching Theatre Audiences & Cultural Value at University of Bristol
Lecturer in Theatre & British Academy Postdoctoral Research FellowEditor of The Routledge Theatre & Performance Series in Audience Research