Performing Recalcitrance

Performing Recalcitrance, a week-long public programme TAKING PLACE at Kungl. Konsthögskolan | Royal Institute of Art in Stockholm STILL UNTIL March 30, 2012, has been conceptualized and programmed by Olav Westphalen and Stefanie Hessler. Olav Westphalen will teach "a course on cartoons, jokes, and innovative actions" at this year's summer academy.

Performing Recalcitrance comprises performances, lectures and workshops. It is a symposium, festival and meeting point for discussion. It serves as the public culmination of a thematic cluster of courses and academic events around recalcitrance, which are being held throughout the academic year at the Royal Institute of Art.

While "resistance" and "revolt" are commonly employed as positive terms, "recalcitrance" has overwhelmingly negative connotations. The current definition of the word "recalcitrance" dates back to the 17th century (Fr. récalcitrant, lit. "kicking back," 17c.–18c.). It describes a stubborn, obstinate, at times even passive-aggressive or lazy attitude. Nevertheless, it seems to be an appropriate description of the nature of certain current social and political confrontations.