Conversare in a Festival of the Arts

The forthcoming Conversare events in the Adelaide Fringe raise ‘interesting’ challenges for the sponsors (Australian Civic Trust and Sarah’s Sisters Sustainable Café), the hosts and potential participants!

See: https://www.adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/conversare-with-alan-stewart/1b327402-cbdc-4b2a-8ccf-82c71d18241b  And on page 73 of the printed Fringe program. Both give details of dates (22 Feb, 1 and 8 March) times, cost, address of venue and how to make bookings.

For these events offer a novel experience in that ‘the audience is the show.’ Unusual too in that this happens through everyone present being invited to engage over a meal with someone they don’t know.

There is a skilled host (a different one for each of the three events) who welcomes all comers and outlines principles and procedures.

What may attract people to place themselves in this situation? <smile>

Those who have come to events in Adelaide in 2012 – and previously in Hong Kong – reportedly experienced something of value in this different and enjoyable way of socialising.

One such person, who participates whenever she is in Adelaide, commented on what I had written to my network:

“…a wish to meet new people and find this very difficult to do… How would they react to being assured that they were among the right people to be present? And to being reminded that ‘whenever we treat each other well good things happen?’ Could this be the beginning of a change in their demeanour?”

“I really like this. I have no doubt that Conversare can and does do exactly what you have said…

I know that when people get connected there is a substance and a field created. It is good to be reminded consciously of the value of good connection with others. I really like your use of words.”
Kate Barrett-Lennard

A similar sentiment was expressed by a person who was a regular participant in events in Hong Kong:

“Thank you very much to everyone who were there this Friday and all the past Fridays that i had been to.

To me, i feel that its truly amazing to discover similarities of feelings and experiences in such a dynamic crowd of global citizens that we all are. This atmosphere that we create by being together is so comfortable and allows me to openly and truly express myself and my views. It also teaches me to learn to listen openly and pay attention to the other person as well and when i do that i see myself in the mirror and notice both the similarities and the differences of who i am. All these experiences had been marvellous and enlightening as i see something new every time.”
Jessica Syvones

Other potential ‘attractors’ which may resonate with you:

. A great night out among lively people who also come along bringing their adventurous spirit. For it is virtually guaranteed that such intrepid souls will show up!

. The recognition that our lives are lived in a ‘narrow band.’ One meaning of this is that we live much the same way continuously and socialise only with family and friends. Which is ‘well and good’ except that it limits the possibilities for seeing the world differently from that of people in our usual social circle. See Feedback.

. The realisation that we tend to perceive ‘entertainment’ as something purely to watch or listen to – at home or elsewhere – and be a spectator who laughs, cries or cheers! Whereas in Conversare all present  participate – with the possibility of being surprised, enchanted and ‘stretched.’ (There is good evidence that in face to face conversation the brain is much more active than when being a spectator).

See what blogger extraordinaire Seth Godin  says about ‘Watching is not doing (confronting the spectator problem).

. The ‘risk’ to venture into the unknown, by giving of oneself to the ‘other’ in a spirit of mutual respect, interest and discovery, whoever this person happens to be.

. A sense of wonder that such an opportunity actually exists and may not ever come again. Particularly in this case in a truly wonder-full venue.

. An intuitive feeling that this way of socialising could be a way of preparing for a future which could be very different from the past.

Could there be applications as a way of people getting to know each other in more depth than usual in contexts such as at conferences or businesses (both within or across organisations) or in neighbourhoods?  Do you see that it could be a means to enhance the quality of civic life and to address social isolation?

 

Alan Stewart
Social Artist
Adelaide