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Deborah Cohen

Philip Dodd meets historian Deborah Cohen, whose new book Family Secrets examines the shifting functions of secrecy and disclosure in British society.

Journalist and US watcher Dr Tim Stanley reviews the American version of Michael Dobbs political thriller House of Cards - which stars Kevin Spacey in the role made famous by Ian Richardson in the British TV version. The drama is only available on Netflix and is the first time the streaming site has commissioned its own original programming.

In her new book Family Secrets, Deborah Cohen retraces the story of shame and guilt amongst the British family from the Victorian era to the present day. But are there now fewer reasons to feel shame? And should we want to get rid of shame and stigma all together? The writer Mark Vernon and New Generation Thinker Charlotte Blease join Deborah to discuss further.

Theatre and film director Rufus Norris and Nigerian playwright Rotimi Babatunde discuss Feast, a new production showing at the Young Vic in London, and how a story of Yoruban culture was brought to life for the stage.

Distinguished Holocaust historian and Auschwitz survivor Otto Dov Kulka tells Philip about his unique education at the hands of the Nazi's and why it is only now, in his 80th year, that he is able to start talking about his personal experience.

Produced by Ella-mai Robey.

Available now

45 minutes

Chapters

  • House of Cards

    Dr Tim Stanley reviews the American version of the political thriller House of Cards.

    Duration: 09:22

  • Shame

    Deborah Cohen, Mark Vernon and Charlotte Blease discuss shame and guilt.

    Duration: 14:20

  • Feast

    Rufus Norris and Rotimi Babatunde discuss Feast, a new production at the Young Vic, London

    Duration: 11:01

  • Otto Dov Kulka

    Auschwitz survivor Otto Dov Kulka tells Philip about his unique education.

    Duration: 08:57

House of Cards

The full series of House of Cards is available internationally from 1st February, exclusively on Netflix.

Landscapes of the Metropolis of Death

Landscapes of the Metropolis of Death, by Otto Dov Kulka is published on 31st January by Allen Lane.

Family Secrets

Family Secrets: Living with Shame from the Victorians to the Present Day, by Deborah Cohen is published by Viking.Β 

Feast

Feast is on at the Young Vic theatre in London until 23rd February.

Broadcast

  • Wed 30 Jan 2013 22:00

Free Thinking

Free Thinking

Radio 3’s new home for arts and ideas.