Arts and Society
Influencing the cultural conversation
Arts and Society
Influencing the cultural conversation
Kate McClymont on the importance of investigative journalism
The Sydney Morning Herald’s chief investigative reporter Kate McClymont AM will deliver the Brian Johns Annual Lecture at the State Library of New South Wales on Thursday 1 May.
'Slopaganda' and its potential to upend elections on a knife edge
Is generative AI better at producing persuasive disinformation than humans? If so, how might this play out in election campaigns? In a new paper, Professor Mark Alfano explains the powerplay between propaganda and GenAI.
From carbon markets to climate health, how Macquarie research supports Earth Day
Earth Day on April 22 has a global goal of tripling renewable energy capacity by 2030 while phasing out fossil fuels. Here Macquarie University researchers explain how their work contributes to a sustainable energy future and suggest practical tips to help reduce your daily environmental footprint.
Atheists have a soft spot for God, new study shows
A new study of secular societies explores the influence that religion has on non-believers. Co-author Dr Robert Ross explains this deep-seated ‘belief in belief’.
My words, my clothes, my nightmare: journalist Peter Greste relives his arrest on the big screen
A new movie, The Correspondent, tells the story of Macquarie University journalism Professor Peter Greste's 400-day ordeal in an Eygptian jail. Here he reflects on the experience of seeing himself portrayed by actor Richard Roxburgh as well as his ongoing fight for a Media Freedom Act in Australia.
Dido & Aeneas, an opera and circus in one: a review
The epic tale of a Trojan hero is given an acrobatic twist in Opera Queensland’s production of Dido & Aeneas, writes Macquarie University Professor of Ancient History Ray Laurence.
From Mozart's sister to Madame Clicquot - the sisterhood’s hidden treasures
For millennia, sisters, mothers, wives and daughters have been sacrificed at the altar of male greatness. On International Woman’s Day, Dr Rebecca Sheehan, Senior Lecturer in History and Gender Studies, reminds us of a work in progress.
Please explain: Why do archaeologists keep digging?
More than a century after Tutankhamun's tomb was uncovered, a British-Egyptian team has discovered the tomb of another pharaoh, King Thutmose II. Archaeologist Dr Karin Sowada explains why the discovery of a royal tomb – even one largely bereft of artifacts – is big news.
Hadestown does it again: a review
You don’t have to be a scholar of classical Greek mythology to enjoy the Australian Opera’s latest production of the multi-Tony award-winning musical Hadestown, now on at Sydney’s Theatre Royal. But this guide to the tales of gods versus mortals from ancient historian Tanika Koosmen will help.
Only the Astronauts: book of space stories reveals secret lives of galactic junk
In her new book, social anthropologist Dr Ceridwen Dovey explores the imaginary tales of human-made objects adrift in outer space, using real events as her inspiration. Here Dr Dovey unveils the motive behind her 'characters' which include the International Space Station and the Voyager 1 space probe.
What you'll discover at the new Pompeii exhibition: review
Newly discovered objects never seen outside Europe are on display at Canberra's National Museum of Australia as part of a new, immersive Pompeii exhibition, on until May. Archaeologist Professor Ray Laurence reviews the must-see items offering insight into everyday life in the Italian city that was buried in a volcanic eruption in 79 CE.
Do video games change the way we think about history?
How do video games influence our understanding of the past? Abbie Hartman, curator of a new exhibition at Macquarie University History Museum on the evolution of gaming, explains.