This Lecture will discuss Zombie cultures from a feminist perspective and ask what the figure of the Zombie can add to contemporary feminism both as a cultural metaphor and as instigator of preparedness. As illustrated by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and their “Zombie Preparedness” website, the concept can be used to motivate people to prepare for natural disasters and other catastrophes and is more relevant than ever in the face of nuclear threat, mass extinctions and rapid climate change.

We will look at the origins of Zombie Folklore; from the Ancient Greeks pinning down their dead to prevent re-animation to the stories of life after death amongst the enslaved workers on Haiti’s sugar cane plantations. The lecture will look at the pop culture following of the 'Zombie' post 1968 through the films of George Romero; Night of the Living Dead, Dawn of the Dead and Day of the Dead, paying particular attention to the representation of the female characters. We will discuss the representation of heath, childbirth and the care of children within Zombie film, literature and performance art as well as representation of non-male zombie fighting heroes.

The lecture will encourage you to consider what can be learnt by thinking alongside the Zombie and how this enduring metaphor can contribute to developing positive thinking around climate change, care and community.

TRIGGER WARNING: the subject of stillbirth will come up in the second half of the lecture.

We are committed to making our sessions as accessible as possible. If you are unable to pay the full amount for this class, please reach out to us via email at [email protected] and we will provide you with a discount code.