On Wednesday 18 May, EDDA – Center of Excellence and the Institute of International Affairs will host a symposium titled “The Theatre of Politics“. The symposium will take place in Oddi, room 101, at 12:00-13:15.
Politics are often compared to theatre and politicians to actors. Since antiquity, the theatrical performance of politics has been a source of speculation to thinkers. This theatre of politics includes elements such as populist demagoguery and the dramatic manners that political leaders display in critical moments to charm the public. In the last decades, important politicians have emerged that have long acting careers behind them, such as Ronald Reagan, former president of the United States, and Arnold Schwarzenegger, former governor of California. The current mayor of Reykjavík, Jón Gnarr, has gone so far as to consciously use theatrical methods. It could be suggested that the line between politics and theatre has become somewhat blurry in contemporary politics. The speakers will discuss the theatrical essence of politics, from conservatism to revolutionary movements and reflect on what it means for the state of contemporary politics.
Speakers:
Sigríður Þorgeirsdóttir, Philosopher: “The theatre of politics, clowns and avant-garde political movements.“
Ólafur Þ. Harðarson, Political Theorist: “Theatrical manners and the fight for votes.“
Sigríður Lára Sigurjónsdóttir, Literary Theorist: “The Best Party’s election campaign – A political theatre.“