In his centenary year, Richard Burton’s granddaughter will be in Swansea to provide a unique personal perspective on the legendary actor.
Charlotte Frances Burton will deliver this year’s annual Richard Burton Lecture at Swansea University’s Taliesin Arts Centre on Wednesday, November 12 at 6pm.
The free event is part of an annual series of prestigious events led by the Richard Burton Centre in collaboration with the Cultural Institute at Swansea University. It is particularly significant as November marks the centenary of Burton’s birth.
Charlotte Frances Burton is an actor, director, and writer from New York City, and the family representative for Richard Burton 100. She is currently living and studying in Cardiff.
In the lecture, entitled How to Build a Richard Burton: Reflections of a 21st Century Granddaughter, Charlotte will reflect on her perceptions of Richard Burton’s legacy in the 21st century. She will explore his childhood, rise to fame, and personal life, and consider how his story has shaped the perspective of a granddaughter born after his passing.
Charlotte will also be joined in conversation by her mother, the acclaimed actor Kate Burton, daughter of Richard Burton. Kate is widely recognized for her leading roles on stage and screen, including Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, Dumb Money, 127 Hours and Big Trouble in Little China, as well as her celebrated performances on Broadway, The West End and at The RSC.
Together, they will offer a unique, intergenerational perspective on Richard Burton’s enduring cultural contribution.
Kate Burton said: “We are so thrilled Charlotte has been chosen to deliver this year’s lecture. She has been working ardently at bringing the legacy of her grandfather to the current landscape and will continue to work hand in hand with the Richard Burton Archives at Swansea University as well as other organisations in the region, the rest of the UK, New York and Los Angeles, where my father did so much of his work.
“Charlotte and I are delighted to be the family representatives of the centenary celebrations and her participation is crucial in bringing my father’s legacy into the 21st Century.”
Professor Daniel Williams, Co-Director of the Richard Burton Centre for the Study of Wales, said: “We’re honoured that Charlotte Burton has agreed to deliver the Richard Burton Lecture this year. What better way to celebrate Richard Burton’s Centenary than to be joined by his granddaughter and daughter as they discuss the actor’s significance for us today.”
