Join Professor Marisa Linton for an evening exploring the power of folklore in reclaiming female stories. This illustrated talk will trace how, before widespread literacy, women acted as keepers of oral traditions, using tales, rituals and remedies to protect homes, aid childbirth and care for the sick. Professor Linton will explain how those practices gave authority and agency to people without other forms of power and how those voices survive in contemporary culture.
The lecture will also examine the continuing influence of folklore on Gothic fiction and folk horror cinema, and ask why old beliefs are enjoying a dramatic revival. Could this renewed interest reflect a search for empowerment, alternative knowledge and a deeper connection with the natural world? The event at the GlassBox Theatre includes a Q&A and a chance to purchase Marisa Linton's fiction, including The Binding Spell and Circle of Shadows. Doors open at 6:45pm and the talk starts at 7:30pm, so arrive early to secure a seat.
Suitable for students of history, fans of folklore and Gothic literature, and anyone curious about how old stories shape modern lives, this talk promises fresh insights and lively discussion. The event takes place on Thursday 26 March at MidKent College Medway Campus, GlassBox Theatre, Medway Rd, Gillingham, ME7 1FN. Tickets are available via a third-party booking website.
