The Franschhoek Theatre, in collaboration with SmallTalX, will host a talk by Dr Ursula Westwood from Stellenbosch University’s Department of Ancient Studies on propaganda in ancient Rome on Wednesday 31 July.
Westwood, who completed her doctorate at the University of Oxford, is an expert on the Romans’ reception of Greek and Jewish history and literature. While her talk deals with propaganda in ancient Rome, she notes that “propaganda” is a term with fairly modern connotations.
Nonetheless, the ancient Roman world was full of political interpretations of writings and events. For example, to his fellow Romans Augustus portrayed a provincial war between two political factions as a defence against foreign invaders. He was also at pains to mask the fact that behind the scenes, he was in fact the sole ruler of Rome.
The event is part of the SmallTalX series of talks at the Franschhoek Theatre hosted on the last Wednesday of each month.
The series aims to bring subject experts into contact with the general public by hosting informative and entertaining talks, accompanied by snacks and a glass of wine.
Leila Shirley, one of the event organisers, is keen to expand the series’ topic and reach.
“We have hosted a diversity of topics, from artificial intelligence and radio astronomy to local politics and classical music,” she said.
“Last month we hosted an expert on marine life, and after Ursula Westwood’s event we will host the Urban Caracal Project.”
The SmallTalX series has also partnered with the Franschhoek branch of Wordsworth Books, which offers a selection of related publications for sale at each event.
Westwood’s talk on propaganda in ancient Rome takes place at the Franschhoek Theatre next Wednesday at 18:30. Tickets cost R250 and include wine, snacks and a question-and-answer session with the speaker.
- Tickets can be booked online at www.franschhoektheatre.co.za, or by emailing smalltalx.info@gmail.com.
