This session will explore the regime of capital that displaced feudal property relations, and imagine its overcoming. We will focus on the debate within the Frankfurt School over the transformations of capitalism during the mid-20th century into state capitalism, totalitarian monopoly capitalism, or late capitalism. In the process, we will discuss the abolition of feudal property relations and paradigm shifts in political economy. We will also discuss arguments for cooperation as an alternative to capital. Featuring Martin Saar, Bernard Harcourt, HeartBeat Opera, Ethan Heard, Ras Dia, Oakdale Community Choir, KUJI Men’s Chorus, Hope Thru Harmony Women’s Choir, UBUNTU Men’s Chorus, and East Hill Singers.
The session will begin with a performance of two excerpts from Heartbeat Opera‘s Breathing Free: Anthony and Thulani Davis’s “I would not tell you what I know” from X (The Life and Times of Malcom X) performed by Derron Acon and the Breathing Free Band, and Beethoven’s “O welche Lust” (Prisoners’ Chorus from FIDELIO ) performed by Oakdale Community Choir, KUJI Men’s Chorus, Hope Thru Harmony Women’s Choir, UBUNTU Men’s Chorus, and East Hill Singers. The performance will be followed by a conversation with Director Ethan Heard and Creative Producer Ras Dia. The libretto and more information on the production can be found in the Breathing Free digital program.