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Last broadcast on Thu, 11 Jun 2009, 21:15 on BBC Radio 3.
Synopsis
Rana Mitter presents the arts and ideas programme.
Susannah Clapp has the first review of The National Theatre's production of Phedre, in which Helen Mirren stars as the eponymous tragic Greek heroine destroyed by her passion for her own stepson.
Rana talks to politics professor John Keane about his new book charting the history of democracy. Far from witnessing the triumph of democracy, the 21st century - according to Keane - will actually see its destruction and mutation. Are today's democracies sleepwalking their way into trouble?
Sylvia Smith reports from the world's oldest art festival - the Venice Biennale - which has an increasing focus on Arabic art. The Gulf States have opened their first pavilions in the 2009 exhibition.
And does God hate women? Yes, says American philosopher Ophelia Benson, who argues that religion encourages the oppression of women and attacks Western liberals for not speaking out against religious misogyny. Rana debates this controversial claim with Ophelia Benson, Madeleine Bunting and Humera Khan.
Phedre
Susannah Clapp reviews the new production of Phedre.
Phedre is at the National Theatre in London until the end of August.
The Life and Death of Democracy
An interview with John Keane on his new book The Life and Death of Democracy.
The Life and Death of Democracy is published by Simon and Schuster
Does God Hate Women
Humera Khan, Madeleine Bunting and Ophelia Benson discuss.
Does God Hate Women by Ophelia Benson and Jeremy Stangroom is published by Continuum.
Gulf Art Report
Sylvia Smith reports on the new Gulf States pavilions at the Venice Biennale
Broadcast
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Thu 11 Jun 200921:15
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