What’s love got to do with it? Presented by Carolyn Mason
Scientists and poets have described love as a physical drive such that, in Samuel Butler’s words, “all reason is against it, and all healthy instinct for it”. Yet, some philosophers think of love as much more than a drive or emotion, arguing that romantic love helps people think rationally, or involves seeing the true value of another person, something so priceless that you are willing to leave yourself vulnerable to hurt. Thinking about the ways in which philosophers try to sort out our messy conceptions of love helps clarify the nature and limits of both love and philosophy.
3pm, Sat 22 May, Philip Carter Family Auditorium, Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna O Waiwhetu. Entry by gold coin donation. |
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Flamenco Performance: History and Representation Presented by Dr Laura Lopez-Fernandez and Dr Beatriz Caballero-Rodríguez
A look at the role of flamenco in film, music, dance and culture. This lecture and demonstration will discuss the concept of flamenco from a historical and socio-cultural perspective. The talk will illustrate the differing flamenco expressions, including el cante jondo (songs in a deep vocal style), el baile (different forms of flamenco dance) and the la guitarra flamenca (guitar playing). The demonstration will be led by Ms Rebecca Cookson and her flamenco group.
1pm, Thurs 20 May, Philip Carter Family Auditorium, Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna O Waiwhetu. Entry by gold coin donation. |
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Rugby: Our Religion? Presented by Dr Mike Grimshaw
What does it mean to claim that “rugby is our national religion”? This lecture traces the claim back to its origin, discusses the ways it has been used, and offers possibilities for rethinking its meaning.
1pm, Sat 22 May, Philip Carter Family Auditorium, Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna O Waiwhetu. Entry by gold coin donation. |
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Bishops, Boozers, Burkha & Brethren: a cartoon history of religion in NZ Presented by Dr Mike Grimshaw
This illustrated lecture is the first step in compiling a cartoon history of religion in New Zealand. The cartoons, ranging from the 1860s to the present day, are a rich and unmined source of historical and cultural opinion, not only on religion but also on New Zealand society and culture, its prejudices, assumptions and beliefs – or lack of them.
1pm, Sun 23 May, Philip Carter Family Auditorium, Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna O Waiwhetu. Entry by gold coin donation. |
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Uncovering a Secret Life: writing the biography of Bill Pearson Presented by Associate Professor Paul Millar
Bill Pearson’s novel Coal Flat was hailed as one of New Zealand’s greatest works of realist fiction. Yet the published book was nothing like the novel Pearson originally envisaged, which would have focused on the plight of an unjustly persecuted homosexual man. This lecture discusses the process of uncovering the details of Pearson’s intensely private life, and the parallels that compelled Pearson to closet the protagonist of his novel, while also stalling his career as a writer.
5pm, Fri 28 May, Philip Carter Family Auditorium, Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna O Waiwhetu. Entry by gold coin donation. |
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