Comedy and Knowledge in Post-Truth Times

Doors open at 3.40

The Centre for Comedy Studies Research is holding an event that will examine the relationship between comedy, knowledge and truth in contemporary times. Do we live in a post-truth world where comedy has increased relevance? What is the potential for comedy to fuel critical thought? What are the limits of using comedy for critical thinking? What skills do comedians bring to critical thinking? These questions, and more, will be hotly debated by a panel of experts. This promises to be a lively debate not to be missed! Come along and have your say!

Speakers include:
 
Jo Brand: an award-winning comedian, writer and actor, CCSR Ambassador and Brunel University London honorary graduate.
 
Mr Gee: a poet, comedian, musician and presenter.  
 
Ruth Garland: a lecturer in Media Cultures at the University of Hertfordshire with research interests in political spin and post-truth as a factor in public trust in governments and the political process, focusing on Whitehall post-1997. Ruth worked in PR for over 25 years, mostly at the BBC.  
 
Harry Venning: an award-winning cartoonist, illustrator and comedy writer. Harry is a weekly contributor to The Guardian with the Clare in the Community strip and is the creator of the Radio 4 Clare in the Community sitcom.
 
Chaired by Dr Simon Weaver, Senior Lecturer in Sociology and Communications, Brunel University London.
 
We are also pleased to announce that we have one £50.00 travel grant available for a low-income researcher or PhD student attending this event. Please email Sharon Lockyer by Friday 1st February 2019 if you wish to apply.  To apply please send a short paragraph (max 250 words) explaining why you wish to attend the panel discussion.

Everyone very welcome. Look forward to seeing you there!