The Xenophiles’ monthly meet-up
Every second thursday of the month
The Xenophiles’ Second Thursday is a monthly meet-up in the bar of De Balie with the Xenophiles and anyone seeking pleasant company and moving conversations on identity, culture and belonging in this strange and unusual world.
Raised on different continents, the Xenophiles believe in the power of all that is peculiar, foreign, strange and original. Why fight xenophobia, when you can celebrate xenophilia? As writers, we thrive on the complexity of human relationships; as Xenophiles we find joy in the risks and rewards of engaging with each other on challenging topics. We are Vamba Sherif, the Liberian-Kuwaiti scholar from Groningen; Julie Phillips, the American who speaks Dutch with a Frisian accent; Amal Chatterjee, the Indian Sri-Lankan who arrived from Glasgow; and Richard de Nooy, the Dutchman who still swears like a South African on his bike.
A space to share stories, explore ideas and keep up the xenophile mindset in these xenophobic times. Open to everyone – people who have been to the shows, others, all are welcome to join, we’ll pay for our own drinks.
The Xenophiles’ monthly meet-up is every second thursday of the month at 17.00 in De Balie café.
The Xenophiles’ monthly meet-up is every second thursday of the month at 17.00 in De Balie café
Past programmes of The Xenophiles
Four migrant writers celebrate the power of all that is peculiar, foreign, strange and original with provocative readings and a lively conversation with the audience. This April the Xenophiles talk language. Do we change with language? Do we own it or does it own us? And who gets to be on the inside – and who
‘Gelukszoeker’ has become an insult for immigrants who want a better life. Yet, the well-travelled, colonising Dutch have a long history of going abroad in pursuit of happiness and more. Who is entitled to seek a better life, and why? Can any country sustain so much happiness? And what tips would you add to the
