Where and When?

Thursday 1st April- 3pm ~ Via Zoom Link

Discussion

For this session, we’ll be thinking about one the more ubiquitous commercial spaces in America – the hotel. From the palatial history of New York’s Waldorf-Astoria to the autovernacular charm of roadside motels, the history of America’s urban and rural spaces can often be mapped most tellingly by those simply ‘passing through’.

In what ways has the hotel bled into popular culture? How can it remain a symbol of wealth and privilege and yet provide such narrative fodder for horror films? Come along with your favourite real or fictional iterations of this public / private liminal space as we check out why so many people check-in…

Readings

Some optional reading to help focus our discussions include the following:

You might also like this recent song to accompany your hotel deep-dive: The Antlers – Hotel