Debate: Art and Politics Cannot Be Separated

Event and Ticketing Details

Dates & Times

Sunday 24 November
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Location

Melbourne Town Hall

90-120 Swanston Street Melbourne Victoria 3000

Get directions

Wagner was an outspoken anti-Semite whose grandchildren sat on the knee of his most notorious fan: Hitler. There is an effective boycott of The Ring Cycle in Israel. But Wagner is also a celebrated genius who transformed modern music, and The Ring is the hottest operatic ticket in the world.

Can art and politics be separated? Where do we draw the line? How can we be ethical art-lovers – and does it matter?

This debate is sure to inflame passions and spark ideas, as artists and art-lovers across both sides of the divide – including Leah Garrett, Peter Tregear, Leslie Cannold and Stella Young – lock horns.

Hosted by Lyndon Terracini, the artistic director of Opera Australia.


Speaking for the motion

  • Leah Garrett (professor, Australian Centre for Jewish Civilisation)
  • Hannie Rayson (playwright and screenwriter) 
  • Christopher Cordner (associate professor of philosophy at the University of Melbourne)

Speaking against the motion

  • Peter Tregear (conductor, singer, academic)
  • Leslie Cannold (author, academic, ethicist)
  • Stella Young (comedian, disability activist)

Tweet at this event using the hashtag #RingFest.