Public Debate on Liberalism at Chocolate Factory 10/19

A public debate will be held at the Menier Chocolate Factory on Friday October 19 at 6PM.

"Liberalism was once the great hope of the enlightenment. It paved the way to economic development, political revolution and personal freedoms such as feminism and gay rights. Now its values are under attack. Environmentalists tell us we can't afford them. Fundamentalists say we are debased by them. And western politicians tell us we must surrender them in order to preserve them. Even liberals themselves are turning on their own values in plays like the Pain And The Itch at the Royal Court Theatre earlier this year. So what credibility do liberal values still have? Is anyone out there willing to defend them?" asks press note.

Proposing the motion is Time Out columnist Michael Hodges alongside Royal Court Theatre Associate Director Ramin Gray.

Opposing the motion is novelist Toby Litt whose books include "Corpsing, Beatniks and Adventures In Capitalism," alongside Dan Rebellato Professor of Contemporary Theatre at the Royal Holloway University. Journalist Patrick Marmion will chair the meeting.

The hour long forum kicks off with drinks at 6PM. The debate itself starts no later than 6:30PM. Each of the four speakers has three minutes to set out their stalls. After this, discussion will be open to the floor. At the end there will be a vote and the debate will adjourn to the bar.

The debate is organized by Soap Box and the Menier Chocolate Factory theatre. Soap Box is a forum intended to tackle the big issues in culture and society.

"Liberal is a Four Letter Word: A Soap Box Debate" will take place at the Menier Chocolate Factory, 53 Southwark Street, SE1 1RU (Tube: London Bridge/Southwark) on Friday October 19 at 6PM.  Entry £3; Free drink from 6-6:30PM. To reserve tickets please email: soapbox@moonbase.eclipse.co.uk

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