The enduring appeal of mermaid stories and their complex relationship with copyright law took centre stage in a recent episode of BBC’s Free-Thinking podcast. Hosted by Shahidha Bari, the discussion brought together experts to explore how these maritime legends continue to captivate and evolve across different cultures and media.

The timing was particularly relevant, coinciding with two major adaptations: Disney’s live-action remake of The Little Mermaid and Ola Ince’s stage production of Once On This Island at Regent’s Park Theatre.

The panel offered diverse perspectives on mermaid mythology: historian Sarah Peverley traced their cultural history, while Sacha Coward explored their significance as queer icons. CIPPM’s Dr Claudy Op den Kamp provided crucial insights into Disney’s copyright history, highlighting how intellectual property laws shape the way cultural stories can be retold and adapted.

The podcast masterfully demonstrated how a single narrative—Hans Christian Andersen’s original Little Mermaid story—can inspire multiple interpretations. From Rosa Guy’s novel to Disney’s adaptations and the Caribbean-inspired musical ‘Once On This Island,’ the mermaid tale becomes a powerful vehicle for exploring themes of love, transformation, and cultural identity.

Featured image credit: Still from Once On This Island