Global capitalism has entered its greatest crisis since the 1930s. The economic slump will undoubtedly lead to a widespread radicalization, as all the myths about the "free market" are shattered.
This has vast implications for every aspect of society, including art and the artists.
David Walsh, arts editor of the World Socialist Web Site, will address a number of issues in a series of meetings in Britain:
• Why do socialists concern themselves with cultural problems?
• Does art have an objective and enduring significance?
• How can the legacy and stigma of Stalinist "Socialist Realism" be overcome?
• What of the Frankfurt School (Marcuse and others), who attempted to transform Marxism into a form of cultural critique?
• What is the way out of the present crisis of art, its lack of perspective and trivialization?
• Is it possible for artists to create important work in this period without examining and confronting, by any means of their choosing, social and historical reality?
Meeting details:
Glasgow
Friday, November 14, 6 p.m.
University of Glasgow
Boyd Orr building, Room 407a
University Avenue, G12
Sheffield
Sunday, November 16, 4 p.m.
Showroom Cinema
7 Paternoster Row, S1
(opposite rail station)
London
Tuesday, November 18, 7 p.m.
London School of Economics
Clement House, Room D209
Aldwych, WC2
* * *
And a meeting in Manchester:
The Writer and Revolution: Playwright Trevor Griffiths in conversation with David Walsh, WSWS arts editor
Trevor Griffiths has been writing for the theatre, television and cinema since the late 60s. His work has been seen throughout the world and he has won numerous awards.
His best-known stage play, Comedians, has been in constant production around the world since its premiere in 1975. For his film Reds, written with Warren Beatty, he received the WGA Best Screenplay Award and an Oscar nomination. Other films have included Country directed by Richard Eyre and Fatherland directed by Ken Loach.
More recently, Trevor Griffiths' thrilling screenplay These Are The Times follows Tom Paine from persecution in England, to the American War of Independence, to Revolutionary France.
Manchester
Wednesday, November 12, 2 p.m.
University of Manchester
University Place, Lecture Theatre A,
Oxford Road, M13
Meeting sponsored by the International Students for Socialist Equality and the Centre for Research in Socio-Cultural Change (University of Manchester).