Songs of Solidarity : Dame Marina Warner

"We don't need fortresses; we need ports."

In this episode, Josephine Burton sits down with one of the world's most brilliant minds on myth and belonging, Dame Marina Warner. From the haunting songs of our childhood to the timeless epic of Gilgamesh, Marina explores the radical idea that storytelling isn't just entertainment but survival.

Recorded in Marina’s beautiful, art-filled home, this conversation opens with her mother’s courageous post-war journey to England. Discover the extraordinary story behind Stories in Transit, Marina’s work with young refugees using the power of ancient epics to reclaim their identities, break through language barriers, and turn the tide on "us vs. them" narratives.

Whether you're curious about how ancient myths are playing out in today's political landscape or looking for a reason to keep believing in the power of art, this episode is a masterclass in empathy, resistance, and the stories that bind us together.

In this episode we mention:

• Books: Sanctuary by Marina Warner; No Friend But the Mountains by Behrouz Boochani.
• Projects: Stories in Transit; Giocarenda (Fula for solidarity/play).
• Theatrical & Film Works: Hadestown (Anaïs Mitchell) and Pasolini’s Oedipus Rex.

In this episode we hear from:

Josephine Burton - Artistic Director of Dash Arts

Dame Marina Warner - writer and historian

Songs of Solidarity, is a Dash Arts and PROJEKT UTOPIA co-production. We’re currently in the research and development stage co-produced with the Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities, in partnership with the Archive of Performances of Greek and Roman Drama, Arts Council England, School of Advanced Studies, Roundhouse London, Asylum Welcome and Unbound Philanthropy.

Our gratitude goes to all the wonderful international artists, academics and participants who enriched our project.

Find out more at:

www.dasharts.org.uk

www.projektutopia.org