De Balie and ITA present a one-off collage performance directed by Ivo van Hove about the state of democracy in Europe. With a special performance of one of the most famous historians worldwide: Simon Schama.
The artist and the tyrant have been age-old foes. The arts are outlawed in most dictatorships, because dictators know that the artist has the power to win over the public and inspire freedom. Throughout history, artists and writers have fought for truth, freedom, and democracy.
For democratic rule to endure, citizens must believe in its worth. Failure to internalize a culture of democracy can lead to its demise. Misinformation and propaganda fuel distrust, which can in turn breed dictatorships. Therefore, nurturing the arts is vital for a true culture of democracy.
Bringing together political speeches and theatre texts, recent events and historical moments, the performance, featuring ITA’s ensemble and guest speaker Simon Schama, reflects on the European society of today.
Every two years, De Balie and Ivo van Hove create a one-off performance for the Forum on European Culture. The performance Re: Creating Europe (2016) travelled to Manchester International Festival and Théâtre d l’Odéon in Paris.
About Simon Schama
Simon Schama is one of the most famous historians worldwide, a renowned expert on European history, ecology and art history. He published numerous awarded history books such as Landscape and Memory (1995), Rembrandt’s Eyes (1999) and A History of Britain (2000). He also created famous television series such as The Power of Art, The Story of the Jews and most recently The History of Now (2022). With over 40 documentaries on his name, he keeps informing his audience about Europe’s vast history.
Speakers
This programme takes place in Internationaal Theater Amsterdam, Leidesplein Amsterdam.
More Forum on European Culture:
In an attempt to shift perspective, Studio Julian Hetzel invites a group of ‘alternative’ experts to engage in a series of dialogues that open up new pathways to escape the status quo.
How can the future of Europe be imagined? What are threats to European democracy, and what should we pay attention to? We asked five writers to envision a European future.
Ethnic profiling, LGBT-free zones and the undermining of abortion rights are just a few examples of recent threats to the physical integrity and safety of European citizens.
