The Mis-understanding of Lewis Carroll
Jacob Hulland
- Region:
- Anywhere
- Notice Period:
- Emergency (maybe less than one week's notice)
- Type:
- Professional
- Fee:
- Paid: Paid: Dependant on location
- Category:
- Humanities
- Updated:
- 19th February 2025
- Tagged:
- Theatre | Literature | Victorian History | Childhood
Lewis Carroll has been delighting children and adults alike since 1865, with the creation of his most popular novel, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. In 1871, Carroll wrote Through the Looking Glass. The lesser known of the two. But just as charming. I have created my own adaptation of Through the Looking Glass, in an attempt to show audiences the unedited version of Through the Looking Glass, away from the rather confused Disney Johnny Depp version.
This talk covers my journey of creating this show, from conception to actors to props and design. I found the story charming and funny, but it's author somewhat mysterious. Much of his diary has been erased or kept away from the public eye by his family, eyewitness accounts of Carroll also differ hugely, with many different opinions on what he was like, and what he did.
The most popular modern opinion of Carroll is that he had inappropriate relationships with children. Many cite the family's desire to lock off his diary, insisting there must be disturbing evidence in it. Others cite Victorian historians who said Carroll only ever loved children, never adults. And some just see fake pictures of him with children on the internet, and jump on the band wagon.
I suddenly became very worried that a personal hero of mine, might be dark and corrupted. But Carroll's image has been built on hyper-truth, false accounts and down right lies. The Victorians liked to portray Carroll as a virgin. A perfect man of harmony that only ever liked children. They exaggerated his love of children, because they wanted to believe that Carroll was the perfect Victorian gentleman, a devout celibate who was proper and polite.
There is evidence to suggest that Carroll did love, but these were mature women, not little girls. Join me on a journey of discovery. Lewis Carroll has you've never seen him before, a man who loved lots of women, who was modern, who was flawed, but wasn't evil.
I draw on information from, In the shadow of the dream child, a book by Karoline Leach. I also add my personal opinions of Carroll, and views on Carroll. I am not endorsed or affiliated with Karoline Leach.
Views: 20 | Enquiries: 0About Jacob Hulland
My name is Jacob Hulland. I am a young and dynamic actor, comedian, writer and speaker, with a passion for science fiction and fantasy.
I am just 24 years old, but have been performing since 2014. In this short time of experience, I have created my own theatre company, Hedgehog Theatre and have gained a reputation for quality entertainment for every age! I specialise in immersive theatre, children's theatre and stand-up comedy and am a registered Spotlight actor.
https://app.spotlight.com/2216-4506-0056
When you book me as a speaker, you get a subject you probably know very well, but perhaps haven't seen in an alternative way. My talks focus on re-imagining popular culture and what we think we know about it.
This includes, The Mis-understanding of Lewis Carroll, a talk about my journey creating a theatrical adaptation of Through the Looking Glass, and how close I became to this mysterious man. My research showed me that Carroll's work and personal life is frequently mis-interpreted as strange and inappropriate, but new research shows this couldn't be further from the truth. See how historical myth and faux evidence has brought public opinion down the wrong rabbit hole!
My most popular talk is on another piece of historical popular culture. Thunderbirds: A very 60s future, is about the beloved Gerry Anderson TV show, Thunderbirds from 1965. Set in 2065, Thunderbirds is still set in the future, despite being made 60 years ago! From the view point of the 60s, which at the time was subjected to great political, social and technological changes, Anderson and his team created their idea of 100 years in the future from a 1960s perspective. I will analyse why many of the elements of the show have correctly predicted the future such as, smart watches, video calls and nuclear technology and why others have quite happened yet. I will also take a look at how, perhaps, the world could end up like Thunderbirds by the time we reach the 2060s.
My talks are passionate and energic, and have the unique feel of 20th century nostalgia coming from a man born in the 21st!
Please feel free to take a look at some of my content via my Youtube channel.
https://www.youtube.com/@comedyhulland
Other Talks on SpeakerNet by Jacob Hulland
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