Collective voice: the power of speaking in unison

CANCELLED

Unfortunately, this event has been cancelled.

The world today is full of moments of collective speech. Chanted slogans, prayers, oaths of allegiance and football songs all act as performances of shared belonging, but can also exclude, marginalise, and divide. From the chorus on the Greek stage, to the national anthem, from the liturgical debates of the Reformation, to polarising populist chanting in recent times, the complex history of words spoken in unison can shed light on societies, cultures, traditions and politics.

Join us at this event to explore the cultural and political significance of collective speech and how it is dramatised in modern and contemporary literature, hear recordings and performances and take part yourself by adding your voice to our chorus of chants.

Speakers:

Dr Matthew Taunton, Associate Professor, University of East Anglia; British Academy Mid-Career Fellow

Professor Steve Waters, Professor of Scriptwriting, University of East Anglia

Part of Being Human Festival, 9 - 18 November

Free, booking required

Please book your ticket through Eventbrite.

This event will take place in-person at the British Academy's home at 10-11 Carlton House Terrace, St James, London, SW1Y 5AH.

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