Gleanings - Les Misérables

Dramatic reading by professional actors followed by a facilitated discussion about the themes and ideas in the play.
About this Event

Gleanings is a forum for nuanced discussion about complex ideas and issues relating to arts and culture, theology, and the social sciences.
For more details, visit GleaningsForum.ca

Tickets also available at the door for $25 (cash only)

is a classic French novel written by widely celebrated authour Victor Hugo. First published in 1862, the historically based fiction follows the protagonist Jean Valjean (a reformed ex-convict) and Inspector Javert (a police officer), as well as other beloved characters portrayed as heroes and villains with complexity and nuance. In a setting which takes place before, during, and after the French Revolution, the story explores the nature of law and grace, politics, justice, religion, and the types and nature of romantic and familial love.

Are heroes and villains a social construct? Is it always clear who the hero and villain is in a story? Are heroes and villains necessary in society to achieve justice? Is it fair to reduce one's humanity to either? Is following the law always just and moral? When is it not?

The first half of the evening is a dramatic reading of excerpts from the novel by professional artists. After a brief intermission, the second half of the evening is a facilitated discussion with some of the artists and special guests to get the conversation going before the audience is welcome to participate or simply observe. The discussion will have a high emphasis on listening to and learning from other points of view in order to 'glean' richer and deeper understanding about complex issues and ideas. It's a forum for intellectually curious people who enjoy meaningful nuanced discussion.