This open group discussion explores the “necessity” of punitive justice in contemporary society. In an era of post-truth, decades of division have caused significant harm, making it essential to reflect on the roots of systemic violence and the mechanisms that sustain it.

One of the most accessible forms of punitive justice today is public accusations via social media, the so-called “call-out.” To discuss this form of cancel culture, Baxter M. Halter has invited anti-racism activist Bétel Mabille and theatre-maker Lorette Moreau. Together, they will examine the tools that have been created, the ways in which they are sometimes misused, and the evolving forms of justice – along with their consequences.

The previous discussion took the form of a participatory agora, where the sharing of ideas helped to forge connections. Likewise, this talk will not offer definitive answers but instead aims to open new perspectives on underlying traumas, systemic patterns, and the seemingly inescapable cycle of punitive justice that we are striving to break free from.

about

Baxter M. Halter is a performer, music composer, occasional DJ, writer, and videast. Through their work, they research important concepts such as Gender Trouble, Deconstruction, Care, Transidentity, and Masculinity. On these topics, Baxter has made podcasts with Fondation Kanal and hosts the monthly Talk From Homografia show on Radio Panik, making them an important voice both for and within their community. Baxter is also a regular curator for Queer Festivals such as Festival Homografia, BPFF, and is never too far from SNAP! Festival.
https://cargocollective.com/baxtermhalter
https://kingbaxter.bandcamp.com

Bétel Mabille is a trainer, consultant, and speaker specialising in anti-racism. As a trainer since 2017, Bétel has designed and led training sessions for adults, providing concrete tools to understand and combat racism, particularly in professional environments. They approach these topics through an intersectional, decolonial, and Afro-feminist lens. Bétel is also an active media contributor, with appearances and writings in Le Soir, RTBF, Médor, and Axelle Mag. They hold two master’s degrees, one in sexology and the other in gender studies.

Lorette Moreau is a theatermaker, member of L'amicale (an art cooperative active in Lille, Brussels and Paris) and co-founder of Wander Structure (a transdisciplinary support and research platform carried by 8 female artists based in Brussels). She teaches at ARTS² (an art school in Mons) and regularly organises workshops around collective intelligence, collaborative artistic practices & spectatorship. She’s passionate about methodology and loves everything meta.
https://www.lorettemoreau.com/

Liminal deconstructs patriarchal norms and gendered expectations in community by holding each other accountable. We believe that everyone can—and men in particular must—contribute to gender justice by reflecting on how patriarchy influences their identity, behavior, and relationships. Liminal provides spaces for exchange, (un)learning, healing, and growth, facilitating transformation through personal development supported by feminist theory.
https://liminal.brussels