White Light Conversation: Language and Human Consciousness

Join us for this free discussion as we explore the complex connections between language and human consciousness. The 90-minute conversation will be moderated by John Schaefer, host of WNYC’s Soundcheck and New Sounds.

Author Colum McCann, composer Joan La Barbara, experimental psychologist Steven Pinker, music historian Gary Tomlinson, and other leading thinkers will consider the evolution of language from a tool for survival to a transcendent mode of artistic expression. The afternoon will open with a performance extract of Gare St. Lazare Ireland’s work in progress How It Is, by Samuel Beckett, performed by Conor Lovett, with director Judy Hegarty Lovett.

Free seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.