In Search of Phillis Wheatley Peters

Event details

Centre for Eighteenth Century Studies Film Screening

Delve into the extraordinary life of Phillis Wheatley Peters, the first globally recognized African-American female poet. The film explores her remarkable resilience, quest for freedom, and her lasting legacy.

IN SEARCH OF PHILLIS WHEATLEY PETERS emerges as a poignant exploration of a remarkable woman’s life, a narrative that resonates profoundly with the challenges and triumphs of our contemporary world. Phillis Wheatley Peters, abducted and enslaved as a child, defied the odds by mastering her captors’ language and elevating herself as a literary luminary. Amidst the intricate tapestry of revolutionary America, Wheatley’s story unfolds, revealing her correspondence with figures like George Washington, illustrating her resilience against the backdrop of slavery and the revolutionary fervor of her time. The documentary delves into the complexities of her identity, portraying her not just as a genius but as a pivotal figure in African-American and Black-British history.

In this moment of global discourse on racial equality, Wheatley Peters’ legacy stands as a beacon, prompting crucial conversations about race, gender, and intellectual brilliance. As we approach the 250th anniversary of her seminal work Poems on Various Subjects Religious and Moral, new research has surfaced, illuminating the previously obscured chapters of her life. This documentary, with its blend of archival materials, expert interviews, and meticulously crafted reenactments, endeavors to restore her narrative to its rightful place. With discussions around race and identity more pertinent than ever, this film stands as a testament to resilience, providing a vital bridge between history and our contemporary struggle for equality.

The screening will be followed by a discussion with Olivia Carpenter and Chloe Wigston Smith