This monthly gathering invites participants to read a text together aloud around a table and to interpret it collectively as they go. The emphasis is on attention, participation, and shared thought rather than expertise or prior preparation. Texts are distributed at the session, so there is no need to read in advance.

The series was founded in the spirit of Fred Dewey, who served as Beyond Baroque’s Executive Director from 1996 to 2009. In his public work and writing, he championed a commitment to public life, close reading, and the communal exchange of ideas. The series has included readings from Dewey and Hannah Arendt. Check individual sessions for current texts under discussion.

About the Facilitator

Renée Petropoulos is an artist based in Venice, California. She has shown and performed her work internationally and is the recipient of many awards for her work. She is also part of the Fred Dewey Legacy Project, a group created to promote the life work of Fred Dewey. Most recently, she has performed at the Broad Museum and the Wende Museum (2022), continuing with her project Among Nations (Mostly).