Event overview
Lecture and workshop on Frantz Fanon
This lecture (2–3pm) will consider why Fanon’s life and work refuses categorisation by thinking about the ‘Fanon Body’, both in terms of why and what the Fanon body questions, as well as how it questions and engages with the world. To this effect, we will reflect upon the closing and opening up of material and psychological space, and how the body speaks back and politically engages with the world.
The workshop (3–5pm) will consider how ex-political prisoners in South Africa and sex worker activists in Africa have attempted to create bodies of engagement. Comprised of an experiential exercise, participants will engage in a ‘space/ritual’ similar to that used by ex-political prisoners to find a voice in the aftermath of violence. Participants should come to the session with (a) a story around youth struggles in the world that you feel is important and you would like to share (for instance, the Black Lives Matter struggle in the US; young men and women trying to escape Syria and get into Europe; or the isolation black men face in getting mental health services), and (b) a word or symbolic gift to be shared and discussed in the group.
Background for the workshop (‘co-construction’): whilst working with ex-political prisoners in the 1990s, a healing space was co-constructed that drew upon practices that the activists had used in the struggle to endure, as well as western treatment models. We held monthly meetings in which the first part of the meeting involved activism and the second part involved the sharing of stories, which include the lighting of a candle, moment of silence, dance and singing.
Dr Eric Harper is a political activist, social worker and psychotherapist currently working with homeless people who have mental health and alcohol and/or drug challenges.
Dr Matt Lee is a political activist and lecturer in philosopher who is currently supporting the setting up of an open university.
Dates & times
| Date | Time | Add to calendar |
|---|---|---|
| 13 Nov 2015 | 2:00pm - 5:00pm |
Accessibility
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