The Brothers Grimm regarded their tales, many of which are violent and disturbing, as character-building. Others see them as dangerous and harmful; it was even argued that they fuelled Nazism. This two day multi-disciplinary conference brings together a wealth of expertise to consider the value of storytelling, and in particular whether the reworking of traditional tales by the Brothers Grimm and others can be a force for good. The conference will explore issues including psychotherapy and child abuse, and the impact of storytelling through literature, cinema, theatre, and music.

Speakers confirmed to date

• Nick Bicât, composer
• Mary Leay, musician
• Karen Lury, Professor of Film and Television Studies, School of Culture and Creative Arts, University of Glasgow
• Edmund Newell, Principal, Cumberland Lodge
• Philip Ridley, writer and film-maker
• Jeany Spark, actress (subject to availability)
• Tim Supple, theatre director
• Maria Tatar, John L. Loeb Professor of Folklore and Mythology, Harvard University
• Judith Trowell, child and adolescent psychiatrist; Co-founder, Young Minds
• Salley Vickers, novelist