Screening Event: 'The Big Pride' (1961)

Tuesday 13th June | 17:30 - 19:00 | Room 3.01, Clothworkers South


We look forward to welcoming you to our next session in which we will be screening The Big Pride (1961), a television drama written by Sylvia Wynter and her then-husband, Guyana-born writer Jan Carew. Originally written as a BBC radio play, in 1961 Wynter and Carew were commissioned to adapt the play (originally titled The University of Hunger) for ITV's Drama '61 anthology series.  


Black and white still from The Big Pride (1961). William Marshall as Sutlej sat at a desk while Johnny Sekka as Smallboy stands behind him with his hand resting on his shoulder.
Johnny Sekka and William Marshall in The Big Pride (1961)


Based on real events, The Big Pride is about three escaped convicts in British Guyana attempting to escape not only 'their past but the harsh reality of their lives'. Almost entirely forgotten until it was discovered and restored by the British Film Institute in the 1990s, The Big Pride is described by writer and historian Stephen Bourne as 'a unique visual record of the work of two important dramatists'.


While our discussion will be focused on the film, we are suggesting as optional reading Wynter's essay 'Rethinking "Aesthetics": Notes Towards a Deciphering Practice'. In this essay, divided into two parts, Wynter proposes to move towards a new practice of film criticism based upon ‘decipherment’. She links such a deciphering praxis to the emerging of a “popular Imaginary” opposed to “our present hegemonic Imaginary” (239).


As always this session will be open to all with no expectation of any previous engagement with Wynter's work. Snacks (including popcorn!) will be provided and please do join us for drinks afterwards. The session will be held in room 3.01, Clothworkers South building. Please do let us know in advance if you have any accessibility or dietary requirements or have any other questions or concerns at quiltingpoints@gmail.com.

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