Yes, the inaugural event was held last Friday 22 February 2013. (The next two are 1 and 8 March). See also page 73 of the printed Fringe program. What is the primary measure of success of any enterprise?  That it happened! And well it did, indeed, according to host Tim Walsh who reported: “There was an odd number present which made perfect sets of 2s as I was able to be a participant. There was a little hesitancy at the start as to which couples of strangers would pair up over the meal. Once that was settled 'the audience being the show’ was off...

As readers may be aware this new kind of social process - in which people meet in a public place such as a pub or a cafe and have a wholesome encounter with someone they don't know – is looming up as an integral component of the Adelaide Fringe Festival. At which there will be a different host for each of the three events: . 22 Feb    Tim Walsh . 1 March  Alan Stewart . 8 March  Ruth French Below is a synopsis of what intrepid spirits may experience from participating in one of these. Which, as you may appreciate, has the potential of being...

The forthcoming Conversare events in the Adelaide Fringe raise ‘interesting’ challenges for the sponsors (Australian Civic Trust and Sarah’s Sisters Sustainable Café), the hosts and potential participants! See: https://www.adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/conversare-with-alan-stewart/1b327402-cbdc-4b2a-8ccf-82c71d18241b  And on page 73 of the printed Fringe program. Both give details of dates (22 Feb, 1 and 8 March) times, cost, address of venue and how to make bookings. For these events offer a novel experience in that ‘the audience is the show.’ Unusual too in that this happens through everyone present being invited to engage over a meal with someone they don’t know. There is a skilled host (a different one for...

As you may imagine there has been much concern, particularly but not only, in the United States about the Sandy Hook school massacre and its underpinnings. One response has been to conduct a ‘Vancouver Speaks – Community Conversations around Connection.’ This happened as a Conversation Café recently in Vancouver in Washington State, USA – just south of  British Columbia, Canada. Participants were invited to address three questions: First round: What concerns you about isolation contributing to acts of violence, despair or suicide? Second round: What does connection mean to you? What are the beliefs, values, and principles that will cause a renewing of connection...

As we enter the new year there are likely to be enjoyable and exhilarating experiences awaiting those who have opportunity to participate in a Conversare event. Which could happen well beyond the confines of Australia, indeed also in the USA and the UK, for starters.  And also in a range of new contexts. * (See below). With three premises in mind: .  Such events coming to be seen increasingly as a novel and valuable demonstration of what to participate can mean in practice. In this instance meaning engaging well among people who do not know each other purely to see the world – at...