May 4th: 4 lectures (Dutch)
Merijn Oudenampsen & Matthijs Ponte: The voice of Kambiz Roustayi
On April 6th, Iranian asylum seeker Kambiz Roustayi committed self immolation on Dam Square and died. Although he was treading in the footsteps of Mohamed Bouazizi, who's self immolation became the catalyst for the Tunisian Revolution, Dutch media called his act the sole act of a suicidal person. Oudenampsen and Ponte will try to do justice to, and explain Roustayi's actions.
Masha Matijevic: Transitoir
During WWII, 25 names of squares, parks, and streets in Amsterdam were changed by the oppressor. After the war, these locations regained their old names. In Transitoir Masha Matijevic takes a closer look at this forgotten piece of history, and examines the meaning of the names and the changes that took place.
Foundland: The Arab Spring
Towards the end of February the Arab Spring had spread to Syria. Demonstrations in the streets were accompanied by a second revolt online. Foundland shows how a relatively invisible revolution has manifested itself.
Richtje Reinsma: Memories of Aleppo
When Richtje Reinsma exhibited her work Memories of Aleppo 2004 in Aleppo (Syria), it was removed by the authorities, along with the works of other artists. The artists all respond differently, some causing riots, others staying silent. In her lecture, Reinsma will explore why some resist and others don't, and if there is a need for change.
Doors open at 20:05. Location: Mediamatic Bank, Vijzelstraat 68 Amsterdam. Entrance: €5,-. Students 50% off. Visit our website.
May 5th: lunchtime interview (English)
Mohamed Helmy was one of the many people to raise their voices on Cairo's Tahrir Square. He's joining us for a chat with political scientist and author Monique Samuel. Helmy will talk about how he experienced the revolution by discussing objects he brings with him from Tahrir Square. The objects will be shown in the context of the Pièce de Résistance archive. Bring your own object of resistance, and contribute to the growing collection.
Doors open at 12.00, lunch is from 12.15-13.30. Location: Mediamatic Bank, Vijzelstraat 68 Amsterdam. Entrance and lunch: free. There are 50 seats available. Visit our website.