Playbook of the Sower

POSTPONED - President's Series
Playbook of the Sower: Octavia E. Butler as a Guide for World-Building

THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

Wed., May 27
This day-long program invites literary engagement, imaginative play, and sociopolitical praxis sparked by Octavia E. Butler's archive. This is the third part of the Octavia E. Butler and Adaptation series of the Centennial President's Series events.

Workshop

Approximately 8:30 a.m.–2 p.m., including continental breakfast and lunch
By application only
Application period closed Feb. 24
Notification of acceptance: Early March

On the Bus with Butler & Playbook of the Sower Planning
Facilitated by Claudia Peña, Ayana A.H. Jamieson, and Ruha Benjamin

Inspired by Butler’s own bus rides, the workshop begins with a two-hour bus journey around Pasadena where participants are invited to think, feel, and create on the move by reading passages from Butler’s journals, journaling, and reflecting together on how the process of movement shapes other areas of work and life. Participants will meet at The Huntington, board a waiting bus, and then return to The Huntington where they will finish the morning in a collaborative session exploring what it looks like to learn from Butler as method before enjoying a light lunch.

Selection Criteria
We aim to create a lively and diverse group with respect to personal identity, life experience, and professional and creative orientation. Preference will be given to those already familiar with Octavia E. Butler and committed to addressing the issues raised in different arenas of work and practice. All workshop participants are also invited to participate as active collaborators in both afternoon sessions.

Cost
The workshop is free. Continental breakfast, lunch, workshop materials, and admission to the gardens and galleries provided to all participants. Any travel and lodging is the responsibility of participants. A list of local hotels and other travel information provided upon request.

Accessibility
The Huntington is committed to making its collections, buildings, programs, and services accessible for all visitors.

President's Series

Playbook of the Sower: Octavia E. Butler as a Guide for World-Building
May 27 (Wednesday)
Two participatory public programs will draw on the work of speculative fiction writer Octavia E. Butler as creative inspiration for building a better world.

Building Futures with Butler (3:15–5:15 p.m.)
In this roundtable workshop, facilitated by Kamal Sinclair and Tony Patrick, participants will collaborate in small groups to develop speculative historiographies and design better futures.

Remixing Radio Imagination (5:45–7 p.m.)
DJ Lynnée Denise will host an interactive, multimedia presentation that connects music and scholarship in a sonic and visual meditation that places Butler in conversation with writers, musicians, and visual artists in the African Diaspora.

Free; space limited, reservations required.

For questions about this event, contact PlaybookoftheSower@gmail.com.