Natalie Haynes to present 2015 BHA Holyoake Lecture on ‘Greek tragedy and Humanism’ in Manchester

6 October, 2015

Novelist Natalie Haynes will present the Holyoake Lecture in Manchester on 2 November
Novelist Natalie Haynes will present the Holyoake Lecture in Manchester on 2 November

Writer, broadcaster, and comedian Natalie Haynes will deliver the British Humanist Association’s 2015 Holyoake Lecture in Manchester on 2 November.

Natalie will speak on ‘Greek tragedy and Humanism’, and will explain why man is the measure of all things in the surviving Greek tragedies, and why that matters.

Despite its origins in a religious festival dedicated to the god Dionysus, much of ancient Greek theatre is distinct for its tackling of timeless ethical issues not simply in the language of gods and monsters, but real lived human experiences. In her upcoming lecture, Natalie will explore how the ancient Greeks’ sophisticated understanding of human nature  was deeply humanist in attitude and character.

BHA Chief Executive Andrew Copson said, ‘The Humanism of ancient Greece is a fascinating subject and Natalie is just the speaker to do justice to this topic at this year’s Holyoake Lecture. Natalie is a great friend to Humanism. and members will know her not only as our Patron and trustee, but for having delivered an outstanding (and hilarious) Voltaire Lecture back in 2011. I know that her audience will leave thoroughly entertained, also having learned a great deal more about the rich humanist intellectual tradition.’

Tickets cost £9 for the general public, and £7 for members and students. Get yours now at humanists.uk/holyoake2015.

 

Notes

The British Humanist Association (BHA) is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people who seek to live ethical and fulfilling lives on the basis of reason and humanity.

The Holyoake Lecture is part of the BHA’s programme of annual lectures, which include the Darwin Day, Voltaire, Bentham, and Shelley Lectures. Previous Holyoake Lecturers have included Jim Al-Khalili, Kate Pickett, Ray Tallis, John Harris, and Steve Jones.