A 4-Act Workshop
Conceived and led by Leonardo Caffo
An experiential journey intertwining philosophy, art, music, and meditation to explore the boundaries of language and uncover what lies beyond the sayable. Through a blend of theory and practice, participants will embark on a unique journey to rediscover the expressive and performative potential of words, their absence, and their transformation.
Act 1: Wittgenstein and the Limits of Language
Description:
An interactive session delving into Ludwig Wittgenstein’s thought and his famous statement: “Whereof one cannot speak, thereof one must be silent.” Starting from this idea, we’ll explore the possibilities that emerge beyond conventional language. What happens when language is no longer sufficient? How can thought manifest in alternative forms?
Activities:
- Introduction to the Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus.
- Discussion on the practical implications of performative philosophy.
- Open exchange among participants on personal experiences with silence and the unspeakable.
Act 2: Polaroid and Paroloid
Description:
A creative workshop where images and words meet and challenge each other. Participants will produce instant photographs (Polaroids) and associate them with words unrelated to the images’ context. This process will question the relationship between visual and verbal language, opening up unexpected spaces for interpretation.
Activities:
- Hands-on introduction to using Polaroid cameras.
- Associating words with images through unconventional logic.
- Collective sharing and discussion about the connections that emerge.
Act 3: Listening to Words Through Music
Description:
An immersive session blending electronic music and poetry. Through a dedicated listening session, participants will explore how words can transform into a sensory experience through sound.
Activities:
- Listening to electronic music tracks paired with poetic texts.
- Guided reflections on the listening experience: What emotions arise? What meanings are evoked?
- Free writing exercises inspired by the interaction between sound and words.
Act 4: Meditation with Invented Languages
Description:
A meditative and experimental journey to discover the sonic power of words beyond their meaning. Participants will be guided through an exploration of invented languages, experiencing language as pure sound.
Activities:
- Introduction to the idea of language as sound and rhythm.
- Guided meditation using invented languages.
- Final group reflection on the experience and on the role of meaning in language.
Workshop Goals:
- Reflect on the limits of language and the potential of the unspeakable.
- Experiment with new modes of expression through images, sounds, and words.
- Create a space for dialogue and sharing to explore language in a performative and multisensory way.
Practical Information:
Duration: 2 days (4 hours per day, one act per session).
Who It’s For: Open to anyone interested in philosophy, art, music, or meditation. No prior experience is required.
Materials Needed: Notebook, pen, Polaroid camera if available (otherwise provided).
A unique workshop to inspire, break the boundaries of language, and discover new expressive horizons.
