To celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the premiere of Star Trek: The Original Series, the Anarres Project for Alternative Futures presents a program of events that highlight the importance of this landmark science fiction franchise for advancing social justice and pushing the boundaries of the radical imagination. Here is a listing of the events planned for Fall term 2016:
Star Trek and Black Lives Matter: Tuesday, October 4, 2016 at 6 pm in Milam Hall 318.
As part of its celebration of the 50th anniversary of the TV series Star Trek, the Anarres Project presents a viewing and discussion of Deep Space Nine’s “Far Beyond the Stars”. This award winning episode is a powerful and emotional examination of racial oppression and police brutality, as well as the power of the radical imagination to envision alternative futures, that is as poignant now as it was when it first aired almost 20 years ago.
Free pizza will be provided to help our conversation along.
The Cultural and Technological Impact of Star Trek: Tuesday, October 11, 2016 at 4pm in Learning Innovation Center 368
As part of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Star Trek, the Anarres Project presents Dr. Randall Milstein (OSU Honors College and College of Science) discussing the cultural and technological impact the series has had on society and everday life. Discussion is Free and open to the public.
Star Trek and Social Justice: Thursday, October 20, 2016 at 4 pm in Milam Hall 301
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Star Trek, the Anarres Project presents a discussion with Dr. Christina Allaback, the artistic director for the Eugene based Trek Theater, about the social justice emphasis of the classic TV series. She will explain the origins of Trek Theater, how she sees it embracing the lessons of the theater of the oppressed, and what we can learn about social justice from science fiction.
Trek Theatre: The Drumhead@OSU: Thursday, October 20, 2016, at 7pm in Learning Innovation Center 228
As part of its celebration of the 50th anniversary of Star Trek, the Anarres Project hosts the Trek Theatre’s performance of Star Trek: TNG’s “The Drumhead”. This classic episode is a story about the clash between state security and the protection of human rights.
There will be a small reception at 6pm before the performance and guests are encouraged to come in their best Star Trek costume. Small prizes will be available for the best cosplay.
Star Trek and Indigenous Science Fiction: Thursday, November 10, 2016 12 noon, Native American Longhouse
As part of its celebration of the 50 anniversary of Star Trek, the Anarres Project presents a panel discussion with three Native American artists and scholars who will talk about the way they infuse their work with indigenous metaphor and science fiction/fantasy imagery that sheds new light on the experience of indigenous people in the United States. Ryan Singer is a painter known for using the landscapes of Star Wars to explore life on the Dine/Navajo nation. Joel South is an OSU alum and a hip hop artist and writer whose songs and stories bring to life indigenous ways of knowing. Dr. Grace Dillon is a scholar of the genre of indigenous science fiction and who puts forth the idea that many tales within indigenous oral traditions can be understood as kinds of speculative fiction.