The Reith Lectures
Adaptation
Jul 11, 2017
Bestselling author Hilary Mantel discusses the transformative power of adaptations in storytelling. She articulates how different mediums can breathe new life into historical narratives. Mantel emphasizes that adaptation is not a betrayal of the original work but an act of creative collaboration. With anecdotes about her own experiences, she explores the challenges and nuances of portraying historical figures, especially in theater. Her insights underscore the essential role of art in understanding our past, reminding us that without it, history may become a mere flicker.
57:26
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Quick takeaways
- Adaptation is an act of creation that enhances historical narratives, allowing contemporary audiences to engage with the past meaningfully.
- Different mediums, such as theatre and film, each provide unique storytelling strengths that shape our understanding of historical truths.
Deep dives
The Creative Act of Adaptation
Historical adaptation in literature, theatre, and film is presented as a natural and necessary process rather than a betrayal of the original work. Hilary Mantel emphasizes that adaptations resurrect the past, allowing historical figures and events to come alive for contemporary audiences. For instance, in her novel 'Wolf Hall', the character Thomas Cromwell illustrates how history can be manipulated, as seen in a scene where he physically alters another character's memory. This ability of adaptation to transcend mere representation underscores its essential role in shaping our understanding of history.
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