Judith on Judith: a story for International Women's Day

To mark International Women’s Day this year, the Master will give an illustrated and participative talk on the story of her namesake Judith. 

The story of Judith involves a daring sexual charade, a brazen act of decapitation, an irresistible military plan and a healthy dose of sangfroid. Unsurprisingly, the conspicuous paradoxes inherent in the semi-sacred tale (murderess sexuality mixed with ardent piety), its sensational character (defenceless widow slays drunken general) and symbolic appeal (woman as seductress, warrior, avenger, revolutionary, patriot, politician, priest) have made of it one to which writers and artists across media and across the centuries have been repeatedly drawn. Its visually suggestive elements have provided rich pickings as its central character has been reconfigured to provide a means through which successive generations might reflect on female virtue, sexuality, violence, piety, independence and the citizen’s obligations to the state in time of need. 

The final chapter of The Book of Judith seems keen to neuter the politically and sexually unruly heroine the preceding story has vigorously launched on the world. The Judith passed down to us from her rich artistic heritage seems bursting to escape from some of the containing implications of her own story.  What have successive ages chosen to do with the tensions discernible in the telling of the tale?

Professor Judith Buchanan invites us to explore the semi-sacred figure of Judith, how her story has been told and how artists, writers and filmmakers have appropriated her image and story down the ages. 

All welcome. Refreshments served. 

Please register here

Event location

This event will be held within the following location:

• Dorfman Centre

Event Categories

This event is associated with the following event categories:

Public talk Academic Alumni