Satire Under Pressure

What happens when laughter becomes dangerous? In authoritarian societies, satire is one of the most feared voices of dissent – a form that can expose lies, hypocrisy and betrayal with a single stroke of the pen.

Former North Korean propaganda artist Song Byeok, who now lives in Germany as a satirical cartoonist, knows the price of turning his pen against the powerful. Norwegian Siri Dokken, one of the country’s most prominent newspaper cartoonists, has experienced how political and social trends over the decades have also set new terms for what can be drawn and said here at home.

The conversation will be moderated by Ignacia Godoy, editor of the Chilean magazine Abismo, who will draw parallels to Latin America’s strong tradition of biting satire – an art form that both challenges and protects democracy.

The conversation will be held in English.