Modern interpretations of classic stories are nothing new and each age creates its own monsters that it will automatically equate with like versions from the past—see the evolving versions on screen of Mr. Hyde and the Wolf Man for example.
In recent texts though, this placement of strikingly contemporary versions of monsters in historical texts has been used in ways that suggest more than just a simple act of “updating” is going on and that they are more purposely commenting on both our times and uses of the past and how that might impact on current political debates around nationalism, ethnic and sexual identity, and ideological and religious extremism.
Areas of interest within this can include more recent visions of classic monsters transposed back into historical settings. This can include narratives around mythological figures (Clash/Wrath of the Titans and 300), modern versions of vampires, werewolves, witches, devils and traditional folkloric characters placed in historical narratives (Van Helsing, Extraordinary Gentlemen, Outlander, Salem, Supernatural, Lucifer), or new creations such as zombies, aliens, and robots placed in periods in which they never existed (Dr Who, Kingdom, Stargate, Pride, Prejudice and Zombies).
Send 300 word abstracts or expressions of interest to Simon Bacon (
baconetti@googlemail.com) by Sunday, May 31, 2021.
