Tue, Sep 16
|The Dead Poet
{NYC} What Does Democracy Demand of Us?
The Ones Who Stay and Fight by N.K. Jemisin & The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas by Ursula K. Le Guin ⏱️ Preparation approx. 1.5 hours
Sep 16, 2025, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
The Dead Poet, 450 Amsterdam Ave #2, New York, NY 10024, USA
We'll send you the reading after you register. The film is available on most major streaming platforms and, possibly, through your local library.
Two Short Stories
"The Ones Who Stay and Fight" by N.K. Jemisin
A provocative reimagining of Le Guin's classic, exploring a seemingly utopian society and the moral choices required to maintain it.
"The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas" by Ursula K. Le Guin
A thought-provoking tale about a perfect city with a dark secret, challenging readers to consider the ethical foundations of society.
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What are the expectations for preparation?
At Premise, we understand that your time is valuable, so we keep preparation light—typically under 2 hours. Each session revolves around a core text, whether it’s a short story, film, or essay, providing a shared foundation for meaningful conversation. This approach ensures everyone is ready to dive into thoughtful dialogue, creating a richer and more engaging experience. Your preparation means we all have a common starting point for exploring big ideas together.
Do I need to have previous experience with the text or question?
No, not at all! At Premise, we value both beginner eyes and deep experience—each brings something unique to the conversation. Whether you’ve been in many intellectual discussions or this is your first, our sessions are designed to make everyone feel comfortable and engaged. You don’t need to be an expert; our structure and guidelines help ensure that both the novice and the seasoned thinker feel welcome and supported. Premise is for anyone curious about life’s big questions.
What is a Premise session like?
A Premise session is a thoughtfully crafted, expertly facilitated conversation using the Premise discussion model. Together, we explore life’s enduring questions through short works of literature, film, or art. With just 1-2 hours of preparation, you’ll join a vibrant, meaningful discussion where the following values are embraced:
Active Participation: Everyone comes prepared to engage thoughtfully.
Listening & Reflection: We prioritize listening and reflection over debate.
Shared Inquiry: Our conversations are driven by curiosity and mutual exploration.
Premise creates a welcoming space for both beginners and experienced thinkers, ensuring every voice is heard in a dialogue that inspires deep learning and connection. Learn more about the participant experience.
Wait! These enduring questions are a bit weighty. Will this actually be enjoyable?
Absolutely! While we tackle life’s big questions, the atmosphere is engaging and enjoyable. At Premise, we believe learning should be joyful, not intimidating. Our expert facilitators guide the conversation in a way that makes deep topics approachable, encouraging curiosity and connection rather than pressure or competition. You’ll leave feeling inspired, connected, and enriched by the experience—plus, it’s fun to dive into meaningful discussions with fellow curious minds!
I signed up for an in-person Premise session. What should I expect?
Expect a vibrant and engaging evening of conversation. In-person Speakeasy sessions are held in accessible locations such as pubs, coffee shops, or coworking spaces with private areas reserved just for us.
The session space opens 30 minutes before the official start time, so participants can grab a drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) and meet others before diving into the discussion.
Don’t worry—we promise it won’t be awkward! We begin promptly, so we encourage everyone to arrive early to settle in. The setting is relaxed and welcoming, and there's no need for small talk.