Monique Wittig’s French-American Legacy | Albertine

Join Adèle Haenel, Sande Zeig, Annabel L. Kim, and N. Solomon in celebrating the remarkable French-American legacy of Monique Wittig, a philosopher, writer, and lesbian feminist activist. In 2023, we commemorate the twentieth anniversary of Wittig's passing, honoring her profound contributions to literature and feminist theory. Wittig made waves in the 1960s French literary scene, securing the prestigious Prix Médicis at the age of 29 with her groundbreaking debut novel, L’Opoponax. Her literary repertoire also includes renowned works such as Les Guérillères, Le Corps lesbien, Brouillon pour un dictionnaire des amantes avec Sande Zeig, and Virgile, non. Additionally, she authored influential theoretical books like The Straight Mind and Other Essays and Le chantier littéraire.

A co-founder of the Women's Liberation Movement in 1970, Wittig emerged as one of the foremost feminist theorists, notably propounding the concept of the "Heterosexual Contract." After relocating to the United States in 1976, she taught at esteemed institutions like the University of California Berkeley, Vassar College, and the University of Arizona in Tucson until her passing. On this auspicious anniversary, we seize the opportunity to explore the contemporary reception and enduring legacy of Wittig's work in both France and the United States.

Join us at Albertine in New York City on October 18, 2023, for an enlightening discussion featuring filmmaker Sande Zeig, actress Adèle Haenel, and academic Annabel Kim. Moderated by Noémie Solomon, this thought-provoking conversation, developed in collaboration with choreographer Gisèle Vienne, will underscore the prescience and radicality of Wittig's ideas, which continue to resonate in contemporary debates and shape the perspectives of thinkers, authors, and artists worldwide. This event is free, but be sure to RSVP to secure your spot. The discussion will be in English.