The present economic crisis, the most devastating since the Great Depression, finds all social layers in America unprepared, including artists and intellectuals.
Is it possible to point to a single film, play or novel that provided a forewarning of what was to come, even a serious premonition? How can the current artistic and cultural malaise be overcome?
The historical and social roots of the problem have to be examined. What part did the anti-communist purges of the 1940s and 1950s play? What is the role of so-called Critical Theory, Postmodernism and other trends?
David Walsh, arts editor of the World Socialist Web Site, will address these issues. A question and answer period will follow his talk.
Richmond, Virginia
Monday, April 13, 6pm
VCU Student Commons
Richmond Salon 1
Virginia Commonwealth
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Thursday, April 9, 7 pm
University of Michigan
Michigan League
Michigan Room