People can delve into the world of science fiction at a free University Centre Shrewsbury (UCS) event on the novel that was the basis for cult film Blade Runner and its most recent cinematic adaptation.

People are invited to the event, ‘A Sci-Fi Extravaganza: 50 Years of Adapting Philip K Dick’s Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? Blade Runner and Beyond’, from 1.30pm to 3.30pm, on Saturday March 10, 2018.

Dr Giulia Miller will lead the discussion at Guildhall, UCS’s learning and research base, on the best-selling novel, published exactly 50 years ago, which served as the primary basis for the 1982 film Blade Runner, while many elements and themes from it were used in its 2017 sequel Blade Runner 2049.

The book is set on a near-future Earth, which has suffered the events of a third world war, called ‘World War Terminus’.  It follows the story of Bounty Hunter Rick Deckard, whose job is to ‘retire’ renegade androids who have escaped from outer colonies.

Dr Miller said:

“Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? is probably Philip K Dick’s best-known work, and explores themes such as what it is to be human.

“We’d urge science fiction fans to join us for this event, find out more, and mark 50 years since its publication.”

Dr Miller is a Visiting Lecturer in English Literature and Film at UCS.

Admission to the event is free, but booking is essential. To reserve a place go to https://scifiextravaganza.eventbrite.co.uk or www.ucshrewsbury.ac.uk/public-events.

Alternatively, people can visit the reception at Guildhall in Frankwell Quay (SY3 8HQ) which is open from 8.30am to 5pm Monday to Thursday and from 8.30am to 1.30pm on Fridays, or call 01743 297185.

The talk is part of a series of events at UCS covering a range of subjects. Many of the events are free, and they are open to everyone. For further details go to www.ucshrewsbury.ac.uk/public-events.