Dr. Kopelent-Rehak will discuss stories of men and women who survived Czechoslovakian concentration camps under the Communist regime and how the post-totalitarian state and society is coming to reconciliation with the crimes committed. Next, she will explore how humor, used as political expression, can provide a powerful critique, a non-violent form of political protest and the space for restoration of human dignity.

This event is part of the Mutual Inspirations Festival 2022 - Voskovec and Werich.

About Dr. Jana Kopelent-Rehak: 

Dr. Jana Kopelent-Rehak, cultural anthropologist, photographer and filmmaker is currently a faculty at the University of Maryland and at Johns Hopkins University. Her research embraces a range of issues such as social ecology and climate, urban social inequality, political violence, and social suffering. Her most recent work resulting in upcoming book We Live in the Water is examining changing socioecology on Smith Island in Maryland, with a focus on climate, heritage, and aging. Her urban anthropology work is based on an engagement with communities in Baltimore, addressing urban environment, public art, housing, and health. In the Czech Republic, she worked with ecological refugees from Chernobyl and published a book Recovering Face (Rehak2012) about Czech Political Prisoners, addressing social processes in post-socialist Central Eastern Europe, followed by co-collaborative publication The Politics of Joking (Kopelent-Rehak and Trnka 2019) is an original contribution to an anthropological study of humor in political life.

EVENT DETAILS:
September 16, 6:00 pm

Embassy of the Czech Republic
3900 Spring of Freedom Street, NW
Washington, DC 20008

RSVP required:  https://Politicsofjoking.eventbrite.com

Embassy Policy: By registering, you are acknowledging that an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists by attending this event on the premises of the Embassy of the Czech Republic. You and any family members and guests voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19 and agree not to hold the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic and the Embassy of the Czech Republic or any of their diplomats, staff, contractors, affiliates, employees, agents, or volunteers liable for any illness, injury, or death. The Embassy of the Czech Republic disclaims and excludes any and all liability for any loss, injury, or damage, alleged to have been suffered by or as a result of or otherwise on its premises.

Masks are recommended. At its discretion, the Embassy may take your temperature upon arrival. No large bags are allowed. Small purses may be checked as you pass through security for entrance. RSVP confirmation and photo ID required.

Parking: Non-metered parking is available on Spring of Freedom Street and Tilden Street.

Closest Metro: The Embassy is about a 15-20 minute walk from the Van Ness Metro Station.