29 March 2004

An invitation for Dundee crime enthusiasts

Photo opportunity: 5.00pm, Wednesday 31 March, Baxter Conference Suite, Tower Building, University of Dundee, Nethergate.

For crime fiction aficionados or those fascinated by female criminals, the University of Dundee is staging two free events as part of its current exhibition on women and crime on Wednesday 31st March.

Members of the public are invited to join Dr Gail Low, a lecturer in the University's English department and Dr Marion Wynne-Davies of the teaching team for the Women, Culture and Society course as they examine the interlocking motifs `investigation' and `narration' in the genre of crime fiction. They will explore how women `bear witness' by looking at female crime authors, forensic experts and the role of female TV investigators, including Helen Mirron's portrayal as DCI Jane Tennison in the BAFTA award winning 'Prime Suspect'. The workshop will be held in the Baxter conference suite, Tower building between 2.00 - 5.00pm.

Following the workshop Sue Black OBE, Professor of Anatomy and Anthropology and Melanie Garrett, writer, journalist and broadcaster will join Gail and Marion for an expert panel discussion examining all aspects of women and crime.

This is an opportunity to find out how forensics have led to the capture of prolific male and female murderers. Sue will also give insight to her first hand forensic experience including her work with the Foreign Commonwealth Office that included three years in Kosovo investigating war crimes. Budding writers can learn from Melanie's expertise as a script-writer, novelist and journalist.

Both events are free and open to the public. For booking information contact University of Dundee Exhibitions department on 01382 345330.

Workshop: 2.00pm - 5.00pm, Baxter Conference Suite, Tower Building, University of Dundee, Nethergate.

Panel Discussion: 5.00pm - 7.00pm, Baxter Conference Suite, Tower Building, University of Dundee, Nethergate.

For further information please contact Dr Gail Low or Dr Marion Wynne-Davies on 01382 344000.

By Angela Durcan, Press Officer 01382 344768, out of hours: 07968298585, a.durcan@dundee.ac.uk