Festival of Debate 2019: Launching This Month
Now Then's parent company, Opus, also co-ordinates Festival of Debate, which returns this month for its fifth year.
Here's a quick rundown of just some of the highlights in April and early May. Pick up a printed brochure in town or visit festivalofdebate.com to see all 60 events, running from 19 April to 1 June.
DEMOCRACY, DATA & ELECTION SCANDALS FT. SHAHMIR SANNI
Wed 24 Apr | 6:30-8pm | 38 Mappin St, Workroom 3 | Free
A discussion exploring the implications of online campaigning trends for democracy, featuring Vote Leave whistleblower Shahmir Sanni and Dr Kate Dommett (University of Sheffield).
Sat 27 Apr | 1-9pm | The Circle | £5 Suggested Donation, £4/£3 Evening Screening
A day-long series of sessions exploring democracy and how we engage with politics in the 21st century. Topics include black history, housing, the media and local democracy, concluding with a screening of acclaimed documentary Brexitannia and a Q&A with director Timothy George Kelly.
Mon 29 Apr | 6-7:30pm | 108 The Moor | £2
Author of Sustainable Construction Professor Sandy Halliday discusses how we could construct buildings that don't cost us the Earth. Chaired by Natalie Bennett, former leader of the Green Party.
GUY STANDING: UNIVERSAL BASIC INCOME
Tue 30 Apr | 6:30-8:30pm | The Circle | £5
A talk from Guy Standing, author of Basic Income: And How We Can Make It Happen and economic advisor to John McDonnell, Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer, in collaboration with UBI Lab Sheffield.
Wed 1 - Sat 4 May | 7:45-9:30pm | Theatre Deli | £9.07-£11.19
Powerful play exploring the life, death and impact of young American activist and diarist Rachel Corrie, followed by discussion about the contemporary situation in Palestine.
Sat 11 May | 11:30am-9:30pm | Theatre Deli | £5 Suggested Donation, £6/£5 Evening Performance
Our second Festival of Debate 'hub day' exploring the environment, our understanding of it and how we act positively to influence change. Topics include zero-waste lifestyle, fracking, nature documentaries, sustainable energy and direct action, with an evening performance from pianist Lola Perrin accompanied by a talk from Asad Rehman (Executive Director, War on Want).
Mon 13 May | 6:30-8pm | SU Auditorium | £5/£3
Broadcaster and author Hirsch discusses her Sunday Times bestseller and its exploration of everyday racism. Chaired by Desiree Reynolds, journalist, author and trustee of Racial Justice Network.
GEORGE MONBIOT & GEORGE MARSHALL
Thu 16 May | 7-9pm | SU Auditorium | £13/£10
Two passionate and knowledgeable climate communicators explore what is arguably the biggest issue facing humanity: 'How to break the silence on environmental collapse'.
