Our researchers are gearing up for this year's Cambridge Festival, sharing work on violent texts, chairing discussion on reparations, and offering an introduction to the practice of Scriptural Reasoning.
On Thursday 31 March at 7pm, join Dr Julia Snyder and Dr Daniel Weiss for an interactive workshop using resources from the Scripture and Violence project. Discover how religious communities navigate some wayward texts. Listen back to Dr Weiss in conversation with Louise Hulland on BBC Radio Cambridgeshire ahead of this event (segment starts at 3 h 11 m 50). Places are limited. Register for the workshop (via Eventbrite). NB The researchers are keen to hear from school teachers who may be interested in testing and adapting project resources for use in the classroom. If that sounds like you, please get in touch.
On Saturday 2 April, our Academic Director Professor Esra Özyürek chairs a session on Reparations. Late last year, Dr Michael Banner made headlines calling for the British government to make reparations for those affected by slavery and colonial exploitation. Hosted by the University Church, Great St Mary's, Dr Banner will deliver a lecture entitled "Britain, the West Indies, & the case for Reparations". Professor David Fergusson, Regius Professor of Divinity, will then respond. Register to join the on site audience.
From Monday 4 April to Saturday 9 April, Cambridge Creative Encounters are hosting an exhibition at the Exam Rooms, Benet Street CB2 3PT. This event includes the premiere of War in the Bible, Jewish Tradition, and Beyond, a video short combining research from Scripture and Violence with the visual imagination and artistic skills of animator Riitta Hakkarainen. The exhibition is open from 9:30am to 8pm daily Monday-Friday. Join Dr Julia Snyder and other panellists at 3pm on Saturday 9th to learn more about this collaborative production. (The exhibition closes at 5pm on Saturday 9th.)
On Tuesday 5 April, those in the Cambridge area are invited to join Dr Giles Waller and others for an introduction to Scriptural Reasoning. The 90-minute participatory workshop will focus on the theme 'sacred', drawing inspiration from religious texts. Capacity is limited, so please register promptly to reserve a place.
On Friday 8 April, Dr Vanessa Paloma Elbaz presents a concert-come-exhibition inspired by her research. Ya Lalla: Singing to birth will feature live musical performances, poetry reading, and more, during a one-hour hybrid programme. Those attending in person will also have chance to browse physical exhibits, stimulating the senses. Online participation is possible via Zoom.
NB For all in-person Festival events, we ask participants to be considerate and take appropriate precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19.