Why do adults still need fairytales?

Fairytales are among the oldest forms of human storytelling, with their roots in the oral traditions of pre-literate societies. Over centuries, these tales have been reworked to suit the religious, moral and political order of the day. They are instructive, entertaining and sometimes terrifying. Why is there this ongoing appeal – indeed a revival – of fairytales among young and old alike? Guests: Marguerite Johnson, classicist, historian and Honorary Professor at the University of Queensland. Tom Wright, theatre writer and Artistic Associate at Belvoir Street Theatre in Sydney Michelle Smith, Associate Professor in Literary Studies at Monash University This program first aired in March 2024