TV historian to talk at university

Television historian Professor Bettany Hughes will speak at St Andrews University about the powers and perils of storytelling.

The well-known broadcaster’s illustrated presentation on Saturday is part of a series of events aimed at expanding the teaching of classical subjects.

It will aim at an audience with no prior knowledge of the classical world, and will coincide with activities for schoolchildren including the opportunity to handle real ancient Greek pots and artefacts, perform in a Greek tragedy and make masks and models of ancient Greek and Roman theatres.

The Story of Us will focus on classical culture, from Helen of Troy to Empress Theodora, asking why we choose to tell the stories we do about ourselves and how these can be used as a potent agent of change.

Dr Jon Hesk, of the university’s School of Classics said: “We are delighted to be welcoming Bettany to St Andrews and thrilled to be hosting this advocacy and activity day for classical studies in secondary schools.

“At the same time, this is a great opportunity for our own students and the general public to hear from one of the UK’s most engaging and entertaining broadcasters in person.”

Free places at the talk in the Buchanan Lecture Theatre can be booked at https://www.eventbrite. co.uk/e/bettany-hughes-talktickets