From Aristotle to Albert Square

“Tragedy is like strong acid—it dissolves away all but the very gold of truth.” - D. H. Lawrence

We refer to everything from environmental disaster to sporting failure as a tragedy, but what does it really mean when we use this most disputed word? From Aristotle to Wagner, the idea of tragedy with its mighty action, its awesome pity and its cleansing catharsis, has been the pinnacle of artistic endeavour. What does tragedy, in theory and in life, have to say to us now? This panel will be led by Charlotte Higgins, Guardian chief culture writer and author of It’s All Greek to Me.