Workshop: Desire, purity & death

Programme–in commemoration of St Agatha’s day

15:00–16:00 Poetry and purity 
Discussion and creative writing workshop on myths of female chastity, from Ovid to Fiona Benson, led by Dr Frances Myatt.

16:15–17:45 Lightning talks 

• Dr Sophie Lunn Rockliffe
• Dorothy Davidson
• Izzy Heap
• Jane Liddell-King 
• Fran Geldard

18:15–19:00 In conversation
Artist Netta Weiser and Dr Vanessa Paloma Elbaz discuss Bedouin and Sephardi songs of purity and resistance. This portion of the event is being recorded and will be broadcast on CamFM at a later date. 

For those able to attend on site at Peterhouse, the refreshments will include Sicilian Minni di Virgini.

Context

St Agatha, the third-century martyr of Catania, has long functioned as a paradigmatic figure of virgin martyrdom, her sanctity grounded in the refusal of unwanted sexual advances and the preference for death over bodily violation. Over time, Agatha has become emblematic of a broader constellation of virgin martyrs across Christian, Jewish, and Muslim traditions, figures whose holiness is secured through the preservation of sexual honor and whose deaths are framed as acts of moral triumph rather than coercive violence.

These figures ensure that the valorization of female martyrdom predicated on sexual purity continues to exert profound cultural force. The ethical and symbolic elevation of chastity has contributed to enduring regimes of gendered control, disproportionately locking women of childbearing age to bear the burden of honor, often with fatal consequences. Consequentially, the idealization of the virgin martyr subtly vilifies women with drives and desires, be they physical, professional or intellectual. Contemporary patterns of honor-based violence, domestic abuse, and gendered coercion demand critical scrutiny of the historical narratives that legitimize such structures.

As part of the commemoration of the 40th anniversary of women’s admission to Peterhouse, this study day brings together scholars from across the humanities—including classics, literature, music, biblical studies, sound art and related disciplines—to examine how narratives of virgin martyrdom have been constructed, transmitted, and reactivated across time. By placing historical models of sanctity in dialogue with present-day realities, the event seeks to interrogate the enduring entanglements between piety, violence, gender, and power.

Practicalities

All are welcome to attend. There is no requirement to register.

The final portion will be broadcast on Cam FM (camfm.co.uk) at a later date. Look out for it on their schedule. 

On Thursday 5 February, there is also a lunchtime concert at Peterhouse. As capacity is limited, those interested to attend must contact Dr Vanessa Paloma Elbaz to request a place.