This event is a co-production with Bristol Old Vic.

As early as the third century, St Maurice—an Egyptian—became leader of the legendary Roman Theban Legion. Ever since, there have been richly varied encounters between those defined as ‘Africans’ and those called ‘Europeans’. Yet Africans and African Europeans are still widely believed to be only a recent presence in Europe.

Professor Olivette Otele traces a long African European heritage through the lives of individuals both ordinary and extraordinary. She uncovers a forgotten past, from Emperor Septimius Severus, to enslaved Africans living in Europe during the Renaissance, and all the way to present-day migrants moving to Europe’s cities. By exploring a history that has been long overlooked, she sheds light on questions very much alive today—on racism, identity, citizenship, power and resilience.

African Europeans is a landmark account of a crucial thread in Europe’s complex history. It is published by Hurst and is available to buyfrom our friends at Waterstones.

This event is being co-produced by Bristol Old Vic and is part of our Black History Month programme of events and conversations.

It’s important to us that ideas and debate are affordable to everyone. It’s also important that our commentators, artists, writers, poets and thinkers are paid. This is a Pay What You Can event. You are invited to choose your own contribution to the event, from £0 to £8. In this co-produced event, all proceeds will go towards supporting our speakers and sustaining Bristol Old Vic and Festival of Ideas. The option to attend for free is available for all online events.

Festival of Ideas: Olivette Otele, African Europeans