"A Brief History of Lovesickness and Being Absolutely Devastated"

"A Brief History of Lovesickness and Being Absolutely Devastated"
with Sofia Gallucci

Heartbreak isn’t just personal - it’s cultural. From medieval physicians diagnosing “lovesickness” as a real illness to centuries of stories about doomed love, humans have long been obsessed with romantic suffering. This talk explores the 2,000-year socio-medical history of lovesickness, obsession, and unrequited love, and how it has shaped the stories we still can’t get enough of today.

Until just 100 years ago, lovesickness was treated as a real physical and emotional condition, dramatised on stage in plays like Romeo and Juliet, where desire, longing, and despair were central to human experience. Back then, a lovesick man could be seen as romantic and heroic - your ultimate soft-boy - but a lovesick woman didn’t have the same romantic appeal. These portrayals laid the groundwork for centuries of fascination with romantic suffering, from Victorian novels like Jane Eyre to binge-worthy TV dramas such as Normal People, from iconic rom-coms like Notting Hill to break-up anthems by Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo, and our one-and-only West End girl, Lily Allen.

Tracing the through line from Greco-Roman, Byzantine, medieval, and early modern lovesickness to modern pop culture obsession, this talk shows heartbreak and lovesickness as powerful cultural forces that shape literature, music, screens, and how we understand love itself.

Bio
Sofia Gallucci is a freelance theatre director by day and a PhD student by night, researching the transgender embodiment of lovesickness in early modern drama at the University of Exeter. Her theatre work has ranged from West End musicals to Shakespeare’s Globe. Outside of the theatre, Sofia loves running, cooking, watching rom-coms, and writing about herself in the third person.

Venue:
Camden Town Brewery Beer Hall
Kentish Town
NW5 3ED

15 minute walk from Camden Town tube station (Northern line) and 10 minutes from Kentish Town station (Northern line). 1 minute from Kentish Town West (Mildmay line).

Earlier Lecture Running Time:
Doors: 5:30pm
Introduction 6pm
Lecture 6:05pm
Q&A 6:45pm
Finish 7:05pm

Later Lecture Running Time:
Doors: 7:05pm
Introduction: 7:25pm
Lecture: 7:30pm
Q&A: 8:10pm
Finish: 8:30pm

Food:
If you plan on eating at the venue, we recommend arriving as early as possible so the kitchen can get your order out before the talk starts.

FAQs:

What is Pints of Knowledge?

Pints of Knowledge is a series of public talks where experts, researchers, and big thinkers share fascinating ideas all in the relaxed setting of a pub. We bring brilliant minds and curious audiences together over a pint, covering topics from science and politics to history, art, and beyond.

What happens at Pints of Knowledge?

At each Pints of Knowledge event, you’ll hear engaging talks (approx. 40 minutes) from expert speakers on fascinating topics — followed by an audience Q&A (approx. 20 minutes). The vibe is informal and social, set in a pub where you can grab a drink, meet interesting people, and enjoy big ideas in a relaxed setting.

What if I don't drink alcohol?

No problem at all! Pints of Knowledge is all about the ideas and the community, not the drinks. You’re welcome to enjoy a soft drink, coffee, or whatever you prefer. The focus is on creating a relaxed, social atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable.

Can I attend without a ticket?

Tickets must be purchased online prior to the event. With our limited capacity at each venue we can't let people in without a ticket.

Is there food available?

Yes, there is always the option to purchase food at our events.

Can I get my ticket refunded?

We issue full ticket refunds if you have requested 7 days before the event. Any requests after will be at the discretion of the event organiser.

Can I get my ticket exchanged?

We issue full ticket exchanges if you have requested 7 days before the event. Any requests after will be at the discretion of the event organiser.

Is the event pet friendly?

Yes, we allow pets to attend but reserve the right to request their removal if they are disruptive.