Illuminations: Children of Men

Responses to the Coronavirus pandemic are revealing much about the state of cultures around the world. Almost in anticipation P D James painted a disturbing vision of the future in her 1992 novel, Children of Men, in which the continuing existence of humanity is in doubt. Overlaying it is a gripping story of survival and hope.

The novel was the starting point for Alfonso Cuarón’s 2006 film of the same name. The film score by Sir John Tavener helps tether what is essentially an adventure film to the depth and breadth of the novel. Peter Gardner takes us through the often hidden cues in the background music by Tavener, Handel, Ronald Binge, Mahler, Shostakovich, Prokofiev, Penderecki, the Rolling Stones and King Crimson.

Tune into illuminations June 4th, 8pm