‘A Friend to This House’ - The History Department Welcomed Natalie Haynes.
On Thursday 18th September, we were delighted to host Natalie Haynes, the celebrated Classicist, author, broadcaster and ex-stand-up comedian. Whilst en route for a talk at the Blake Theatre later that evening – part of a UK and world-wide tour about her new book, ‘No Friend to This House’ – Natalie very kindly agreed to stop at MCS and deliver a Q and A session for our students, primarily those studying Classical Civilisation. Natalie has supported us before by delivering a talk over Zoom but it was wonderful to have her here in person this time.
Our session began with an outline of the major themes of her new book and the extant evidence available to us about the myth of Jason, his celebrated Argonauts and his much-wronged wife, Medea. Not only were students and staff alike enraptured by her sheer energy, passion and wit but her ability to turn the tables and encourage us to think again about what we think we know about Greek myths, their place in the ancient world and their place in society today. This is part of her mission to give back to the women of the ancient world the voices erased by the male-centric perspectives of translators who have preceded her.
We were treated to a journey of art, architecture, archaeology, geography (who knew the currents of the Bosphorus explain the Symplegades?), ancient values and perspectives to place Jason and Medea firmly in space and time aiding our understanding of how the Ancients viewed them and how and why the troubling issues discussed in such myths are so valuable to our understanding of the world today. She demonstrated to us how and why Classical Civilisation as a discipline still matters to us today. This is particularly fitting as 2025 marks the 60th anniversary of Classical Civilisation being part of the wider curriculum of Classics.
The Q and A session was equally as enlightening as Natalie gave her perspectives on issues such as which archaeological finds yet to be discovered would change our understanding of the ancient world, how and why she picks which women to write about and how we should view Socrates. Thanks to Emma Dinkelmann who opened our Q and A session and to all students who asked really probing questions.
In true homage to xenia, in return for her generosity with her time and knowledge, Natalie received a vote of thanks from our Head Student, Jack Painter (thank you, Jack), as well as gifts to take away with her.
Thanks also to Mr Hutchison for orchestrating her visit and to all staff and students who attended to support. Certainly, it was a memorable occasion – unlike Jason in Euripides’ tragedy ‘Medea’, Natalie Haynes is most definitely ‘a friend to this house’.
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