Hanken researcher to speak at a theatre play at Wasa Teater

The performance series (in Swedish) Kunskapskabarén & De sju dygderna brings together researchers from Hanken, Åbo Akademi University, and Lund University, who give short lectures on classical virtues such as humility, generosity, moderation, patience, and compassion. The actors then improvise scenes based on the researchers’ presentations.

“The performances are structured so that the academics give several short lectures, and in between, Wasa Theatre’s actors improvise based on what they’ve just heard,” explains Ehrnström-Fuentes.

Her first appearance focuses on generosity, drawing from her research on grassroots-organised sustainable organisations that are based on generosity rather than self-interest.

“Generosity is a fundamental principle in many grassroots organisations working for sustainability. By highlighting this in an art context, I hope the audience will discover alternative ways of thinking about economics and societal development,” says Ehrnström-Fuentes.

The second performance is about compassion. Ehrnström-Fuentes will present an economic paradigm grounded in social relationships infused with love for the living and an ethics rooted in care for living connections.

Maria Ehrnström-Fuentes’ performances are:

6.11 at 19, Wasa Teater, stage Vasallen: Generositet
12.11 at 19, Wasa Teater, stage Vasallen: Medmänsklighet

More information and the full programme for Kunskapskabarén can be found on Wasa Teater's website.

Kunskapskabarén began in 2012 as a collaboration between researchers at Lund University and independent cultural practitioners. Last year, it was performed for the first time in Finland at Åbo Svenska Teater, featuring researchers from Åbo Akademi University.

Text: Marlene Günsberg
Photo: Frank Unger / Wasa teater