Trapped By Experience, Freed By Imagination: Post-Capitalist Literature
“It’s easier to imagine the end of the world than the end of capitalism.” This maxim, frequently attributed to Frederic Jameson, seems to reflect much of the content of our daily news, fueling a growing preoccupation, both political and artistic, with dystopias and decline. But there are also counter efforts – Post capitalist literature, for one. A unique experiment took place in Israel in the years 2020-2023: a think tank was established, dedicated to envisioning a new social and economic reality in the Middle East. Following a year of concentrated research and debate, four fiction writers set out to write novels encapsulating such a reality, so that readers may begin to engage with concrete possibilities for its realisation. The lecture will present the process of this collaborative investigation, the models and questions considered, and the four novellas written as a result, that illustrate and elucidate how such a future might be imagined.
The presentation will be followed by discussion and drinks. The event is free. Advance registration below is required from all attendees.
This event will take place in accordance with the framework developed by a number of Oxford colleges, including Worcester College, to promote free speech at Oxford. Details of this framework and ‘tips’ for productive discussion of difficult topics are to be found at: www.worc.ox.ac.uk/fos. By attending this event, attendees agree to adhere to these guidelines and the terms and conditions of the event which uphold Worcester College’s commitment to freedom of speech: www.worc.ox.ac.uk/fos/massada-2025
Date:
26 May 2025, 17:15
Venue:
Worcester College, Walton Street OX1 2HB
Venue Details:
Sultan Nazrin Shah Centre
Speaker:
Shimon Adaf (Ben Gurion University in the Negev)
Organising department:
Worcester College
Organiser:
Dr Naomi Rokotnitz (University of Oxford)
Organiser contact email address:
naomi.rokotnitz@worc.ox.ac.uk
Part of:
Massada Public Seminars
Booking required?:
Required
Booking url:
https://www.worc.ox.ac.uk/news-events/events/massada-adaf?utm_source=oxt&utm_medium=referral
Cost:
Free
Audience:
Public
Editor:
Nathan Stazicker
