Love him or hate him, students can experience Michael Moore firsthand – and much sooner than expected.

Moore, the left-leaning writer and creator of the controversial documentary ‘Fahrenheit 9/11,’ was originally scheduled to speak at Syracuse University on Oct. 17 but will now be speaking in the Carrier Dome Sept. 22 at 7:30 p.m. due to a scheduling conflict with the filmmaker’s election-season tour.

‘Every seat should be filled on September 22 – whether you want to challenge or cheer Michael Moore you are guaranteed to be charged up for change – in and out of the White House,’ said Kenny Rahtz, a representative for Moore.

Moore’s appearance is part of the 2004 Syracuse Symposium, an intellectual festival hosted by The College of Arts and Sciences. The theme of this fall’s symposium is humor, and Moore was specifically selected to show people the power it can have, said Eric Holzwarth, assistant dean of The College of Arts and Sciences.

‘Humor is a mechanism to say things we normally couldn’t say,’ Holzwarth said. ‘Michael Moore is a master who engages his audience. Humor is key to what he does.’

While Moore is being asked to speak about the role of humor in social change, Holzwarth said it is unknown what Moore will actually say when he ascends the stage.

Rahtz said Moore hopes to rock the vote with wit, humor and never-before-seen footage to shake the misinformed and complacent people.

‘He’s interested in reaching out to as many people as possible before the election,’ Holzwarth said.

The date change puts Moore’s appearance one day after a speech by Garry Trudeau, creator of the political cartoon ‘Doonesbury.’ Holzwarth is a little worried about the events being back-to-back but hopes that with faculty encouragement, people will come out in droves.

‘I hope both will draw well,’ he said.

Katy Hollins, a junior majoring in history, said she has no opinion on Moore because she has not seen any of his work. But she is aware of the controversy surrounding him and that it may lead to some heated discussions – but, she hopes, nothing more than that.

‘It’d be interesting to see what all the fuss is about,’ she said.

Tickets will be available for purchase at the Schine Student Center Box Office and the Carrier Dome Box office at 9 a.m. on Sept. 7 for students, faculty, and staff for $3 and at 9 a.m. on Sept. 13 for $5 for the general public.

Published on September 2, 2004 at 12:00 pm