Café Philosophique was born out of a conversation between sisters Jess and Kaarin Fairfax. They wanted to create a space where diverse members of the community could come together in conversation, to share food and question the parts of our lives we often take for granted or struggle to understand.
To help the conversations come alive, the night begins with short performances from poets and musicians, that aim to inspire thought and new ways of seeing the seemingly obvious. Next come the grazing platters and we break out into small groups to delve deeper into the topic.
Having run since 2018, previous seasons have explored the themes of love, family, death, and grief. It’s been educational and enlightening.
In 2024, Café Philosophique will be presented by the Werribee River Association. Over four nights in February, we will explore what we must overcome to push against the powers, hindering our transition to a more sustainable and just future.
Event Program
Thursday Feb 8: Disenchantment
Poets/storytellers will perform pieces that speak to the idea of disenchantment. What does that mean? What does it look/feel like? How can we feel enchanted again?
With music from environmental activist and folk-pop singer Matt Wicking
Thursday Feb 15: Disconnection
Poets/storytellers will share their experience of disconnection. With community, with country, with self. How do we become disconnected, what does it lead to and how do we find connection again?
With didgeridoo meditation from proud Kurinji artist and local Wyndham resident Michael Cussens
Thursday Feb 22: Distraction
Poets/storytellers will explore the concept of distraction and how we can find some collective focus.
With a traditional dance and music performance from Wyndham’s local Karen Cultural Group
Thursday Feb 29: Apathy
Poets/storytellers will explore their relationship with apathy and how we can move past that defeating feeling of it all being too much.
With music from Senegambian Kora maestro Amadou Suso
