Why are we so scared of death? In Eurydice, death and the underworld play an integral part of the characters’ journeys. How have different cultures and time periods shaped our understanding and rituals around death, and what does this reveal about the human condition?
The Panellists are:
Naomi Westerman
Playwright and Author
Naomi Westerman is a playwright, author, death acceptance activist, and former anthropologist. Her first non-fiction book 'Happy Death Club', a collection of personal and anthropological essays exploring death, grief and bereavement cross-culturally, was published by 404 Ink in July 2024. Her plays have been widely performed and she is currently under commission from the Bush Theatre, Derby Theatre, and Cardboard Citizens, and her queer female-centric romantic comedy 'Puppy' is scheduled for a five-week run in early spring 2025.
Professor Michael Silk
Emeritus Professor of Classical & Comparative Literature
Michael Stephen Silk, FBA, is emeritus professor author and a retired professor of classical and comparative literature at King's College, London. He was elected a member of the British Academy in 2009 and has illustrated 7 works of literature in relation to the theory and practice of tragedy and comedy, Greek poetry and drama, literary theory, and the classical tradition. He was elected a fellow of the British Academy in 1999.
Professor Chris Baker
Christopher Baker is William Temple Professor of Religion and Belief in Public Life and Director of the William Temple Foundation. He has degrees in both English Language and Literature (BA Hons, Manchester University), Theology (B.Th, the M.Th University of Southampton and University of London) and Religion and Urban Planning (PhD, Manchester University).
