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Life Is a Dream

Tom Sutcliffe discusses free will and fate with Jesmyn Ward, Kim Brandstrup, Edith Hall and John Gray.

Tom Sutcliffe discusses free will and fate; dreams and reality. Jesmyn Ward's prize-winning novel Sing, Unburied, Sing, set in the American South, is haunted by the ghosts of the past. Ward writes of incarceration and freedom, and the strength - and weakness - of family bonds.

For his latest ballet, choreographer Kim Brandstrup has taken inspiration from Calderon's 17th century Spanish play Life is a Dream, in which a dire prophecy leads a King to imprison his son. Brandstrup uses contemporary dance to explore where dreams end and reality begins, but also to express wonder at life itself.

How to live well is at the centre of Edith Hall's self-help book based on the teachings of Aristotle. She examines the ancient Greek philosopher's ideas on how self-knowledge, responsibility and love could help us forge a more meaningful life.

And the philosopher John Gray continues his exploration of what it is to be human in his new work, Seven Types of Atheism.

Producer: Katy Hickman.

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43 minutes

Last on

Mon 23 Apr 2018 21:30
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4

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Jesmyn Ward

Jesmyn Ward is a multi-award winning author and has received the MacArthur 'Genius' Grant amongst other honours. She is currently an associate professor of creative writing at Tulane University.

Μύ

Sing, Unburied, Sing is published by Bloomsbury.

Kim Brandstrup

Kim Brandstrup is a two-time Olivier Award-winning choreographer. He has worked extensively with the Royal Ballet and the Royal Danish Ballet, and in 2015 created his debut work for New York City Ballet.

Μύ

Life is a Dream is a Rambert Ballet production choreographed by Kim Brandstrup. It runs at Sadler’s Wells from 22nd to 26th May and will tour the UK later this year.

Edith Hall

Edith Hall is one of Britain's foremost classicists and a Professor at King's College London.

Μύ

Aristotle’s Way: How ancient wisdom can change your life is published by Bodley Head.

John Gray

John Gray is an author and philosopher and has been Professor of Politics at Oxford University, Visiting Professor at Harvard and Yale and Professor of European Thought at the London School of Economics.

Μύ

Seven Types of Atheism is published by Allen Lane

Credits

Presenter Tom Sutcliffe
Interviewed Guest Jesmyn Ward
Interviewed Guest Kim Brandstrup
Interviewed Guest Edith Hall
Interviewed Guest John Gray
Producer Katy Hickman

Broadcasts

  • Mon 23 Apr 2018 09:00
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4
  • Mon 23 Apr 2018 21:30
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4

Podcast

  • Start the Week

    Weekly discussion programme, setting the cultural agenda every Monday