University launches Capital of Culture public lectures
Richard Dawkins, Robert Winston, Willy Russell, and Jonathan Miller will take part in the University of Liverpool’s 2008 public lecture series to celebrate the city’s year as European Capital of Culture.
Professor Richard Dawkins, the evolutionary biologist, who is well known for his outspoken views on religion, will discuss evolutionary theory and his view that belief in God is illogical and harmful to society.
Lord Winston has made extensive contributions to clinical medicine, including the development of the first test tube baby in 1978. He will discuss advancements in fertility research and his contributions to science.
Born in Liverpool, the playwright Willy Russell has received critical acclaim for Educating Rita, Shirley Valentine and Blood Brothers and he will share his experiences of growing up in Liverpool and his success as a writer and composer.
The theatre director, Sir Jonathan Miller has performed and written many internationally acclaimed theatre productions. Working with such actors as Sir Laurence Olivier, Dudley Moore and Joan Plowright, Sir Jonathan has performed in and written many internationally acclaimed theatre productions. He will open the lecture series by talking about his career in academia, theatre and television.
Vice-Chancellor, Professor Drummond Bone, said: “The programme of lectures will cover ideas on religion, film, theatre and science from some of the UK’s most well respected performers, writers and theorists. Sir Jonathan Miller, who has had a fascinating career since joining forces with Alan Bennett in the 1960s, will open the series, finishing with Willy Russell whose musical Blood Brothers can soon be enjoyed as a film. We look forward to welcoming them all to the University.”
Tickets are free and available by telephoning the ticket line on 0151 794 2650.
All lectures will take place at 6.30pm at the University’s Sherrington Building on Ashton Street.
Sir Jonathan Miller
Under The Influence
6.30pm, Tuesday, 29 January
Professor Richard Dawkins
The God Delusion
6.30pm, Monday, 25 February
Lord Robert Winston
Science and Society
6.30pm, Tuesday, 9 September
Willy Russell
In His Own Words
6.30pm, Thursday, 27 November