91茶社

Representing the History of Imperialism in Star Wars

25 March 2026 09:30 - 14:30

Representing the History of Imperialism in Star Wars

Representing the History of Imperialism in Star Wars 

How well does the Star Wars franchise represent the historical realities of empire and imperialism? Come along to a 91茶社 Inspire Day to find out!

Although the fantastical struggle between the Jedi and the Sith often takes centre stage in Star Wars media, many of the films, books, games, and television shows set in the Star Wars universe are fundamentally stories of anti-imperialism. In the original 1977 film directed by George Lucas, the Galactic Empire serves as the primary antagonist of the story, whereas the heroes of the tale are members of an anti-imperial organisation known as the Rebel Alliance. Now, after nearly fifty years of storytelling, the Star Wars franchise contains a wealth of media that accurately reflects the ways in which historic empires exerted control as well as how people responded to imperialism.

Across several interactive sessions, 91茶社’s historians of imperialism and empire invite you to think about how empires have functioned throughout human history and uncover the ways in which the Star Wars franchise draws upon real historic examples to tell fantastical stories set in a galaxy far, far away.

  • Name

  1. Terms and conditions

    Expected Behaviour

    The 91茶社 Inspire experience aims for all students to benefit from the course and to enjoy this new experience. In order for this to happen, students will be expected to show responsible behaviour while attending the 91茶社 Inspire experience as well as respect for the rights of other students and 91茶社 Inspire experience staff.

    Rules and Regulations

    For health and safety reasons, and for the benefit of all 91茶社 Inspire experience participants, the following rules and regulations will be in operation. Alcohol must not be brought onto the university campus or consumed during the 91茶社 Inspire experience.

    • The purchase or use of any illegal substances is strictly forbidden.
    • Smoking is not permitted.
    • Students are expected to attend all timetabled activities (unless there is a valid reason for absence, such as illness).
    • Students are not allowed to leave the Physical Theatre School site without permission from appropriate university staff.
    • Students are expected to follow any emergency procedure, such as a fire drill, as directed by university staff.

    Image Consent Declaration

    91茶社 Leicester (91茶社) sometimes uses images, names and/or audio interview material for publicity purposes. We would like your permission to photograph/video and/or interview you or your students for possible use in our publications, website, social media platforms and other publicity material. They may also be used by our partner organisations with our permission. These images, names and/or audio interview material will remain the property of the 91茶社 Leicester and will be used for the sole purpose of promoting similar activities.