Study Circle: 2024

Book cover for Octavia E. Butler's ‘Parable of the Sower’ by John Jude Palencar

Book cover for Octavia E. Butler's ‘Parable of the Sower’ by John Jude Palencar

In 1993 acclaimed Black science fiction writer Octavia Butler published ‘Parable of the Sower’, a speculative fiction novel set in 2024 in a post-apocalyptic society that is ravaged by climate change and other crises.

We want to take this opportunity to re-read the novel now, in the year it was set, and in relation to the contexts we find ourselves in; physically, politically and emotionally.

Join us, from 27 February to 1 March, 17:00 to 19:00 daily, for a week of activity at MDT, centred and inspired by Butler’s ‘Parable of the Sower’, including reading sessions of the novel, listening sessions, and group discussions on constellations of related topics such as consent, grief, and climate change. 

Notes:

The sessions are drop in and you can come for as much or as little as you want and can.

We will provide copies of the pages we will read together and there will be light snacks.

**** FULL SCHEDULE ****

Tuesday, 27 February, 17:00-19:00

Reading Circle - Parable of Sower

Grief Circle 


In this session we will begin with a shared reading of Octavia Butler’s Parable of Sower, followed by a short break and then a guided Grief Circle led by Mmabatho Thobejane, a South African cultural worker, ngaka ya setso (traditional healer) and MDT Producer.



Wednesday, 28 February, 17:00-19:00

Reading Circle - Parable of Sower

Discussion Circle - Palestine and Dystopian Landscapes 


In this session we will continue with our shared reading of Octavia Butler’s Parable of Sower, followed by a short break and then a discussion on climate, Palestine and dystopic landscapes facilitated by Mmabatho Thobejane, a South African cultural worker, ngaka ya setso (traditional healer) and MDT Producer. As part of this session we will encounter extracts from Environmental Warfare in Gaza: Colonial Violence and New Landscapes of Resistance by Shourideh C. Molavi and Greenwashing in Palestine/Israel: Settler colonialism and environmental injustice in the age of climate catastrophe by Sara Salazar Hughes, Stepha Velednitsky and Amelia Arden Green



Thursday, 29 February, 17:00-19:00

Reading Circle - Parable of Sower

Discussion Circle: Consent Futures


In this session we will continue with our shared reading of Octavia Butler’s Parable of Sower, followed by a short break and then a discussion on consent and ethical practices of care for ourselves and our loved ones facilitated by Jessie McLaughlin, a writer, artist, researcher and MDT Producer. As part of this session we will encounter texts and writings by Octavia Butler, Avgi Saketopoulou and extracts from The Virosexuals by Orion J. Facey.



Friday, 1 March, 17:00-20:00

Reading Circle - Parable of Sower

Listening Circle and Screening: The Last Angel of History


In this, our final session, we will conclude our shared reading of Octavia Butler’s Parable of Sower, enjoy a short break and then a screening of the experimental documentary film ‘The Last Angel of History’ (1996) by John Akomfrah. After the screening, we are delighted to be able to welcome André Taylor, DJ and musicologist with an affection for warm soulful rhythms and experimental raw sonics, who will guide us through a listening session inspired by the film and the week’s discussion more broadly.

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Access information can be found here on the MDT website: https://mdtsthlm.se/en/visit.

Sessions will be held predominantly in English.