Roger Bernat, Laura Llevadot and Bani Brusadin discussed subversion and creation of new imaginations in a panel discussion this Wednesday at the Olot Crater Space. A significant part of modern critical culture has focused on the idea that democracy is based on subverting unfair aspects of an established order, the conflicts resulting from which are channelled through expanded rights and policies to promote recognition and redistribution of social assets. The three speakers wondered whether this subversion is now a mechanism that inevitably leads to a revitalised democracy. Plus, they also reflected on what happens when subversion of a democracy in crisis potentially leads to calls for more authoritarian systems.

Roger Bernat is one of the most noteworthy figures in Catalan contemporary theatre. He is particularly concerned with theatre’s social and political impact and his work often seeks to break down the isolation of the already convinced audience, as well as transforming the formats and spaces experimental theatre is restricted to.

Bani Brusadin is a curator, educator and researcher. He founded The Influencers, a festival about unconventional art, guerrilla communication and radical entertainment (2004-2019), originally co-produced by the CCCB Barcelona, which was a pioneer in analysing phenomena that have now become central to Neoliberal politics, the systemic crisis and mass communication.

Laura Llevadot is a professor of contemporary philosophy at the University of Barcelona. Her essays in recent years have been based on what she calls post-foundationalism, influenced by French Post-structuralism, particularly Jacques Derrida’s deconstruction philosophy, always in dialogue with contemporary feminist political thought and practice.