Dancing? Fighting? Both? Credit: Photo by Francesca Grima
Dancing? Fighting? Both? Credit: Photo by Francesca Grima
Never has such a kooky event seemed so very necessary as this one, at this fraught moment in time. Local arts instigator Banks Helfrich has designed a way to, as he puts it, allow the Venn Diagram of humanity to expand: “This is a chance for citizens of a polarized nation to [engage in] civil discourse in a fertile and open space,” boldly claims the event organizer. And lest you think this is some half-baked hippie BS, there are rules. To paraphrase: A moderator, a fact-checker and two panelists with opposing views discuss those views in front of an audience, who may ask questions. When/if tensions rise, the moderator cues a band, DJ, musician or boombox, and the moderator and guests dance, inviting the audience to join them. Once the musical interlude finishes, the guests resume exploring the topic at hand. Topics to be discussed include abortion, guns, vaccinations, gay rights, race, taxes and impeachment. Free your ass, and your mind will follow.
7:30 p.m. Friday, March 6 | Timucua Arts Foundation, 2000 S. Summerlin Ave. | 321-234-3985 | timucua.com | free
Jessica Bryce Young has been working with Orlando Weekly since 2003, serving as copy editor, dining editor and arts editor before becoming editor in chief in 2016.
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