Paul Mason, Manchester & London
First came feudalism, then came capitalism. Next, says Paul Mason, economics editor at Channel 4 News, will be the age of postcapitalism. Mason believes that efforts to force the information that technology has rendered widely shareable and freely reproducible into privatised fuel for the capitalist machine are doomed. But he doesn’t know what will replace capitalism, only what could: a nu-socialist society where technology allows industry to function with negligible cost and, therefore, work as a concept will almost cease to exist. He’ll be discussing his ideas in two Guardian events this week: talking about his current book PostCapitalism: A Guide To Our Future at Manchester literature festival and, in London, analysing recent developments on the radical left across Europe with former Greek finance minister Yanis Varoufakis.
Royal Northern College Of Music, Thu; Central Hall, SW1, Fri
RA
How To Be Beyoncé, London
Since ditching the stock R&B warbling and matchy-matchy outfits of Destiny’s Child some nine years ago, Beyoncé has become a cult figure of internet-breakingly huge proportions – amd shorthand for a generally flawless brand of womanhood. As well as lungs of steel, bootylicious moves, model beauty and feminist ideals, the key to her success appears to be an indescribable aura of steely cool that sets her apart from the rest. So strong is her hold over the world of pop, one may well wonder whether she and her alter ego Sasha Fierce are indeed illuminati kingpins, as conspiracy theorists have long alleged. As part of the King’s College arts and humanities festival on the theme of fabrication, Dr Madison Moore – pop-culture scholar, DJ and author of the ebook How To Be Beyoncé – peels back the singer’s ever-flawless facade, delving into her impact on the music industry as well as considering how she figures as part of wider discourses on race and gender. An irreplaceable diva, deconstructed.
Great Hall, King’s College London, WC2, Mon
HD
An Evening With Richard Wilson, Sheffield
His presumed hostility to reprising the past might have been central to one of the most memorable episodes of Father Ted. But it seems Richard Wilson has finally come to terms with his one-time alter ego’s catchphrase. Because tonight, for one night only, Wilson will once again inhabit the persona of Victor Meldrew and break out the explosive disbelief. After some One Foot In The Grave sketches, he’ll be answering questions about his life on stage and screen, which could well end up being the most interesting part of the evening as Wilson is a witty raconteur and has enjoyed a career encompassing everything from the the high art of Beckett’s Krapp’s Last Tape to the low farce of Carry On Columbus. He’ll also be sticking around for a VIP canapes-and-drinks reception afterwards, but he’ll be off-duty by then so, however tempting it might be, don’t do a Ted.
PH
