This scripted public meeting presents, through the words of an invited speaker, Max Bonner, and three members of his audience, directly opposing views on ‘free speech culture’ and the role of authority, violence and manipulation within it.

Held in the seminar room of an art institution, Personal Dynamics consultant and civil liberties campaigner Max Bonner introduces the four models most widely used in organisational psychology today. These are real models, and very influential in diplomacy and business, but because they are copyrighted they have been renamed and adapted. Anyone who has ever been subjected to the originals, will immediately recognize them.

Max Bonner’s audience includes an enthusiastic follower and human rights activist, Alejandra Alvarez Nowak; a composed intellectual, Mrs. Malik; and a rather verbose opponent who goes by the nom de guerre Whiff. They each represent a different type of voice and, arguably, authority. When Max unsuccessfully engages in a ‘non-violent conflict’ with Whiff, Alejandra and Mrs. Malik decide to interfere.

The evolving four-way discussion demonstrates - unwillingly to some - the impossibility of political consensus by way of verbal interaction.

Cast
Max Bonner: Greg Shapiro (NL/USA)
Alexandra Nowak: Paula Juan Lima(NL)
and Sheila Evans (USA)
Mrs. Malik: Yvette Supraski (NL)
and Liz Bolton (USA)
Whiff: Mark Bellamy (NL/USA)

Supported by
Witte de With, Rotterdam
Rhizome/New Museum, New York
Fonds BKVB, Amsterdam
Mondriaan Foundation, Amsterdam
Dutch Consulate General, New York
Stedelijk Museum, Amsterdam