For a guest curated summer series in the Walker Cinema, New York Times–bestselling author adrienne maree brown looks through and beyond dystopia to narratives that imagine compelling scenarios for what human life could look like if we find a way to persist on Earth. Rooted in her experiences as an activist, science fiction scholar, and doula, brown’s work ponders the semi-hypothetical question: How do we survive the end of the world as we know it? Drawing from near-future speculation, time travel, and space exploration to fantasy worlds filled with magical creatures, the series centers ideas of dreams, love, environmental stewardship, and collective survival. Featured films include cult and fan favorites, from Marvel’s Black Panther to The NeverEnding Story.
Compelling Speculations on Human Survival
Curated by adrienne maree brown
Jul 11–Aug 9
Walker Cinema
Black Panther by Ryan Coogler
Jul 11–12, 7 pm
$15 ($12 Walker members and seniors, free for students on Fridays)
Ryan Coogler’s 2018 Marvel Cinematic Universe hit explores the secret nation of Wakanda as it counters the historical narratives of plundered African nations and centers the creation of an abundant space.
The NeverEnding Story by Wolfgang Petersen
Jul 18–19, 7 pm
$15 ($12 Walker members and seniors, free for students on Fridays)
This classic 1980s fantasy follows the journey of a young warrior in his fight to save the kingdom of Fantasia from the “The Nothing.” Introduction on July 18 by series curator adrienne maree brown. Masks are required.
Interstellar by Christopher Nolan
Jul 24, 26, 7 pm
$15 ($12 Walker members and seniors, free for students on Fridays)
Christopher Nolan’s elliptical and imaginative storytelling flourishes on an intergalactic backdrop, imagining humanity’s future as taking root among the stars.
Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home by Leonard Nimoy
Aug 1–2, 7 pm
$15 ($12 Walker members and seniors, free for students on Fridays)
The intrepid crew of the USS Enterprise travels back in time to 1986 to bring humpback whales to the future in an effort to save Earth.
Contact by Robert Zemeckis
Aug 8–9, 7 pm
$15 ($12 Walker members and seniors, free for students on Fridays)
Adapted from the novel Contact by Carl Sagan, scientist Dr. Ellie Arroway (Jodie Foster) decodes an extraterrestrial radio transmission that initiates contact between humans on earth and intelligent alien life.
ABOUT ADRIENNE MAREE BROWN
adrienne maree brown (she/they) is growing a garden of healing ideas, informed by decades of movement facilitation, somatics, science fiction scholarship, and doula work. In her books Emergent Strategy, Pleasure Activism, Radical Imagination, and Loving Correction, brown nurtures ideas and practices for transformation. brown is a New York Times–bestselling author and editor of several published texts, a ritual singer-songwriter, co-generator of the Lineages of Change Tarot Deck, and co-creator/host of How to Survive the End of the World podcast with Autumn Brown. Her latest book, Loving Corrections, is now available from AK Press.
ABOUT THE WALKER ART CENTER
Known for presenting today’s most compelling artists from close to home and around the world, the Walker Art Center features a broad array of contemporary visual arts, music, dance, theater, and moving image works. Ranging from concerts and films to exhibitions and workshops, Walker programs bring us together to examine the questions that shape and inspire us as individuals, cultures, and communities. The adjacent Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, one of the first urban sculpture parks of its kind in the United States, holds at its center the beloved Twin Cities landmark Spoonbridge and Cherry by Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen as well as some 60 sculptures. Visit walkerart.org for more information on upcoming events and programs.