We collected more that 100 suggestions for debate topics at The Next Stage Festival in January

After receiving over 100 suggestions for debate topics as well as a slew of suggestions for debaters through our interactive installation at The Next Stage Festival, Praxis Theatre and The Theatre Centre have distilled three resolutions to be tackled at the first three Civil Debates.

Each of these topics were suggested multiple times through the installation, have already received significant online debate, and have the potential to create reasonable arguments for and against the resolution:

March 7, 2013

March 15, 2013

#1: Creative Cities

Be it resolved that the Creative Cities theories serve to reinforce dominant class structures.

April 4, 2013

April 1, 2013

#2: Arts Boards

Be it resolved that Boards of Directors have the right and responsibility to overrule the Artistic Direction of a theatre company.

May 2, 2013   

Date TBD

#3: Idle No More

Be it resolved that the issues that created the Idle No More movement require extreme methods to achieve change.

de·bate, noun. /dɪˈbeɪt/

— a formal discussion on a particular matter in a public meeting or legislative assembly, in which opposing arguments are put forward and which usually ends with a vote.

ci·vil, adj. /ˈsɪv(ə)l, -ɪl/

— relating to ordinary citizens and their concerns.

— courteous and polite.

Oxford Dictionary

Civil Debates will take place on the first Thursday of each month, starting March 7^th at The Theatre Centre Pop-Up. The speakers for each debate will be announced in advance on praxistheatre.com and theatrecentre.org. If you would like to debate a particular topic, email info@praxistheatre.com with why in less than 100 words. If selected, debaters are paid a $50 honorarium.

Live tweetcasts will be available for each debate, along with blog posts and social media sharing to facilitate further discussion.  Civil Debates use the Canadian parliamentary debate model:  2 speakers on each side, strict time allotments, moderated exchange and conclude with a vote Yay or Nay. Audience members will be given the opportunity to participate, but it is not required

Praxis Theatre and The Theatre Centre present
CIVIL DEBATES
First Thursday of the month: March 7, April 4, May 2, 2013. Doors at 7pm; debates at 7.30pm
The Theatre Centre Pop-Up, 1095 Queen St. West
Admission: PWYC