Robert Neuwirth

Robert is a writer whose books on society and economy are helping to frame a new conception of equitable development. His most recent book, Stealth of Nations, explored the rise and promise of the underground economy. Shadow Cities, published in 2005, argued that shantytowns are normal urban neighborhoods and that governments should engage with the residents of these informal communities. His TED talks have been viewed by more than half a million people and his work has been featured in films, on radio and television, and in many publications. He has taught in the college program at Rikers Island, New York City’s jail, and at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism. Before becoming a writer, he worked as a community organizer and studied philosophy. He is currently at work on a new book that probes the power of community to rein in the excesses of the free market.

Saturday April 25 1-4pm & Sunday April 26 1-4pm
The corner of Franklin Avenue & Fulton, Brooklyn

Join choreographer Andrea Haenggi and writer Robert Neuwirth for a 2-day research workshop in which participants acts as “somatic sensing poet scientists” of the public realm, noticing and engaging with the Crown Heights community’s social choreographic patterns to find its hidden narratives.

On Saturday, April 25, we will ask, “What do we want to collect and how do we want to collect it/embody it?” As we explore these questions through movement and play with manual typewriters we touch on time, space, atmosphere, character, actions, obstacle, and objects. On Sunday, April 26, we will return to the street to record, reconcile, and deepen our observations and discoveries. Our somatic writing documentation of this historic multi-ethnic neighborhood, whose diversity is being threatened by gentrification and development, will be compiled into an e-booklet, which will be available online under a creative commons license.

Meet at 1pm at the corner of Franklin Avenue & Fulton in Brooklyn, across from Dunkin Donuts at 1149 Fulton St. Take the C train to Franklin Avenue Station.