The Contrarian Debate Club returns for its ninth edition. This time, the theme is personal autonomy against social obligation.

Two motions will ask where one ends and the other begins: how much of your life belongs to the people who raised you, and how much remains yours when you are the one doing the damage.

You will not see the motions before the night. Nobody will. No prepared cases, no rehearsed arguments — just the room, the motion, and what you think. A first-timer stands on the same ground as a regular.

Debaters are drawn at random. Put your name in, and if it comes out, you argue. Once the teams have had their say, the floor opens to everyone. You can step up and make your case, or simply listen. Both are perfectly good ways to spend the evening.

Seats are limited on purpose. A small room is the only way to make sure everyone who wants to speak gets the chance.