Listen "Life Is a Dream"
Episode Synopsis
Tom Sutcliffe discusses free will and fate; dreams and reality. Jesmyn Ward's prize-winning novel Sing, Unburied, Sing, set in the American South, is haunted by the ghosts of the past. Ward writes of incarceration and freedom, and the strength - and weakness - of family bonds.For his latest ballet, choreographer Kim Brandstrup has taken inspiration from Calderon's 17th century Spanish play Life is a Dream, in which a dire prophecy leads a King to imprison his son. Brandstrup uses contemporary dance to explore where dreams end and reality begins, but also to express wonder at life itself.How to live well is at the centre of Edith Hall's self-help book based on the teachings of Aristotle. She examines the ancient Greek philosopher's ideas on how self-knowledge, responsibility and love could help us forge a more meaningful life. And the philosopher John Gray continues his exploration of what it is to be human in his new work, Seven Types of Atheism.Producer: Katy Hickman.
More episodes of the podcast Start the Week
The arts and health
12/01/2026
Animals and Meaning
29/12/2025
The Dark
15/12/2025
Histories, emotions and identity
08/12/2025
Space, Quantum Frontiers and Cosmic Clues
01/12/2025
Digital Futures and Information Crises
17/11/2025
Saving Tigers, Green Crime and Cli-fi
10/11/2025
ZARZA We are Zarza, the prestigious firm behind major projects in information technology.