March

‘Secrets & Confessions’

Wednesday 27th

18.00 GMT

In Plain Sight: (Un)Hidden Sexuality in Alfred Hitchcock’s Rope (1948)

This session will consider Alfred Hitchcock’s 1948, psychological thriller Rope, a film that is famous for its use of (open secrecy) in both form and content. We will discuss the use of metaphor throughout Rope along with Hitchcock’s concurrently advanced and adverse representations of queer characters, which are simultaneously progressive for having centre- stage but also problematic for being villainous.

Thursday 28th

18.00 GMT

Amsterdam’s Our Lord in the Attic Museum: Former Hidden Church

The museum ‘Our Lord in the Attic’ in the heart of Amsterdam might seem like an ordinary house built on a canal, but it’s anything but. This talk will introduce this unique museum, the position of the Catholics during the ‘Golden Age of the Netherlands’, famous Catholic artists and so called Dutch tolerance and liberalism.

April

Humour and laughter’

Tuesday, 2nd

18.00 BST

From Giggles to Insight: Comedy’s Role in Tackling Tough Topics

Comedy is one of the most popular genres in film and television. It has the power to connect with audiences, make us laugh, and create an immersive space that allows us to escape, even if momentarily, some of the realities of our day-to-day lives. But there’s more to comedy than escapism. In this talk, we look at comedy in film and TV, its functions, and its possibilities.

Monday, 8th

19.30 BST

Poetry Reading: humour and laughter

Join us as we delve into literary works and enjoy masterpieces read out loud by amazing actor – Matthew Peter-Carter! Our April theme explores the power of humour and laughter.

Wednesday, 10th

18.00 BST

Seriously Joking: Puns & Pranks in 20th Century Art

This talk delves into the fascinating intersection of humour and art, focusing on the use of puns and pranks in avant-garde movements of the 20th century. We will explore how artists employed humour as an incredible tool for dismantling the serious institutional power of the art world, challenging viewers to reconsider their preconceptions and embrace the unexpected.

Monday, 15th

19.00 BST

Japanese Calligraphy – ‘laughter’

The concept of laughter 笑 (warau) in Japanese culture embodies a complexities of human emotions, social interactions and cultural norms. It means more than just humour; it reflects a sense of peculiarity or uniqueness that captivates attention. This aesthetic appreciation of the unconventional is deeply ingrained in Japanese literature and art, where authors and artists often explore themes of eccentricity and curiosity.

Wednesday, 17th

18.00 BST

The Art of Laughter

Seldom did one country produce so many comical paintings as the Netherlands did during the Dutch Golden Age. Join us as we spot people playing a trick on each other, girls falling asleep on the job, children being children, girls completely love sick, unexpected hidden scenes of bare bottoms, people partying and having fun, dogs peeing in churches and more! 

Thursday, 18th

19.00 BST

Entertainment through the Centuries: A History of Clowns

In this lecture we will travel back in time to the origin of the clown as an entertainment figure and as the icon of the travelling circuses. How did the idea of the clown as a comedy character come to life? How has the character developed through the ages? Why the red nose and the make up? This, and many more questions about the enigmatic clown character will be answered in this lecture. We will talk about the different clowns that have amused and amazed their audience through history.

Tuesday, 23rd

19.00 BST

Kawaii Aesthetics – the Culture of Cuteness and Laughter in Japan

Join us for an illuminating exploration of the role of humour and laughter in Japanese culture through the lens of “kawaii.” From adorable characters to quirky expressions, “kawaii” embodies a unique blend of innocence, charm, and playfulness. Through various examples, we uncover the intricate ways in which humour and laughter, as epitomised by “kawaii,” serve as powerful tools for communication, social cohesion, and self-expression in Japan.

Wednesday, 24th

18.00 BST

Sinister Satire: the Art of Pieter Bruegel

Delve into the amazing world of 16th-century Netherlands with an exploration of the masterful satire of Pieter Bruegel. In an era where art served as a powerful tool for moral instruction, Bruegel emerged as a virtuoso of darkly comedic commentary, using his canvases to dissect the follies and foibles of society with razor-sharp wit. This talk invites guests to unravel the layers of Bruegel’s seemingly whimsical images, revealing the profound depths of his very serious humour.

Thursday, 25th

18.00 BST

Mythic Laughter

In Greek mythology, tricksters have always played an important role, often using humour to bring about wisdom. Why has humour always been an essential element when human beings try to make sense of the world around them? Join us as we explore the role of humour and laughter in ancient mythology and meaning-making.

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