Operations as Theatre

Based on the Greek word theasthai meaning ‘behold’, operating theatres have traditionally been as much spaces for viewing by many observers as their non-medical counterparts. From public dissections in spaces designed by theatrical architects, to the flamboyance and spectacle of early surgery and our own modern obsession with operations on television; Barbers’ Professor of Anatomy, Vishy Mahadevan explores the theatrical side of the operation.

This lecture has been organised in association with the Royal College of Surgeons to complement the ‘Life on the London Stage’ exhibition at the London Metropolitan Archives (until 6 December 2017).

(Image: Frontispiece to Vesalius’ De Humani Corporis Fabrica – Wellcome Images)