Late Nights: War is Peace? The Legacy of Orwell

Name: Late Nights: War is Peace? The Legacy of Orwell
Start: 2025-11-19T17:00:00+01:00
End: 2025-11-19T20:00:00+01:00
Location: Nobel Peace Center

Schedule

Wed Nov 19 2025 at 05:00 pm to 08:00 pm

UTC+01:00

Location

Nobel Peace Center | Oslo, OS

Welcome to an open and engaging night about the legacy of George Orwell, in the exhibition War is Peace?.
We welcome Richard Blair, son of George Orwell, for a conversation about his father’s life, literary work, and how Orwell’s ideas continue to influence public debate today.
ACTIVITIES
• 18:00-19:30 Conversation with Richard Blair and Bernt Hagtvedt
• 17:15 Guided tour in the exhibition War is Peace?
Before and after the conversation with Richard Blair you can join the "Thought Table"
How can we read Orwell in our time?
George Orwell wrote books that not only shaped literature but also transformed the way we understand power, language, and truth. Novels such as 1984 and Animal Farm remain timeless warnings against surveillance, propaganda, and political manipulation—cautions that, in 2025, feel more relevant than ever.
How can we read Orwell in our time? What do concepts like “Big Brother,” “doublethink,” and “War is Peace” mean in a reality shaped by algorithms, surveillance, and disinformation?
The conversation takes place in the exhibition War is Peace?, inviting reflection on the power of language and the fragile state of peace and democracy. Perhaps now, more than ever, it is crucial that we actively protect and fight for these values.
Bernt Hagtvet - Norwegian political scientist, public commentator, and professor emeritus known for his work on democracy and political extremism - will lead the conversation.
TICKETS | TOURS | ACTIVITIES
A ticket to Late Nights also gives access to guided tours and activities in the museum throughout the evening.
Join a tour of War is Peace? at 5:15 PM, and participate in the “Thought Table” activity before and after the conversation with Richard Blair.
During the “Thought Table” activity, you will be presented with questions to which you first give a simple answer—before the discussion opens up for reflection and deeper exploration. This thought-provoking activity requires no preparation, only a willingness to share thoughts and feelings, and to listen to others’ perspectives so we can grow wiser together. You are also welcome to participate by simply listening, if you prefer not to share your own thoughts but wish to hear what others think.
• I believe it is good that we are exposed to the grim realities of war through images.
• Can war contribute to peace?
• Are there other paths to peace besides war?
Tickets: 85,-
Late Nights:
The museum is open every Wednesday until 20.00 through 2025. One Wednesday every month, we fill the Nobel Peace Center with very special themed nights. Here, you can join powerful conversations, experience diverse cultural performances, and participate in small activities that can make a big difference.