Causeries: Woody Allen

Singh will be joined by philosopher Liesbeth Levy, specialized in the philosophy of ethics and alterity, as well as classicist Nick Lowe, in order to draw out parallels between Allen’s films and the plays written by the Ancient Greek playwright Aristophanes. Proust scholar Donatien Grau will join Singh in his conversations.

About the Causeries

As part of the realization of Alexandre Singh’s ambitious play The Humans, Witte de With Center for Contemporary Art presents the Causeries. Taking its title from the French verb causer –to converse or chat– the Causeries are set up as a series of discussions in which Singh expands on The Humans’ key themes, ranging from cosmology and cosmogony to pictorial satire, dance, drama and religion. Rather than discursive events in the well-known format of a conference or a symposium, the Causeries are conceived as informal conversations between the artist and an expert in a given field. It is not only the edification of the artist himself that is pivotal in this alternative kind of exchange, also the audience is offered an insight in the underlying themes of The Humans. The monthly Causeries are conceived by Alexandre Singh and Defne Ayas, and are organized in consultation with critic and writer Donatien Grau.

Upcoming Causeries:

16 March 2013 – Scatology

Cost per Causerie: €5 / €3 discount

About The Humans

The Humans – with “creation” as its central theme – is an ambitious play that will evolve and change over a six-month period. Set before the creation of the Earth in a proto-world populated by spirits, gods, artisans and men of clay and plaster, The Humans is modeled after the ancient Greek plays of Aristophanes. Whilst the theatrical references are ancient, the satire is utterly modern: religion, morality and human hubris are all mocked with an irreverent and biting tone

Leading up to the final live presentation of his play, Singh will transform Witte de With’s second floor into a space; part artist’s studio, part script-room and display area; where visitors will be able to follow the development of the play. This on-site realization of the artwork allows the audience to gain a unique insight into the inner dynamics of artistic creation.