The latest news
Poem 'Does an official come to the doctor'
On 25 March 2024, I was house poet at the inspiration session 'A civil cervant goes to the doctor' of the Municipality of Sittard-Geleen. We listened to readings by Michelle van Tongerloo, general practitioner and street doctor in Rotterdam, and Tim 'S Jongers, political scientist, public administration expert and publicist. After three hours of intensive co-writing, I closed the day with my poem 'A civil servant goes to the doctor'. You can find it below.
'Words flow over me' now published
Fourteen people learning Dutch met for eight weeks at the Maastricht Writing Workshop and Venlo Writing Workshop. Ahmed Jundi, Ekaterina Selezneva, Emine Ünal, Milena Dahl, Monif Mutahar Al Darwish, Nurhidayatuloh, Raeesah Nawaz, Yeser Shehada, Alexandra Shishkova, Erich Schitter, Faeza Mato, Feras El Sheakh, Luzia Eder and Luzina Mato wrote and rewrote their stories, poems and columns under the guidance of Lana Nasser (in Venlo) and myself (in Maastricht). Read my foreword here.
Live poem Pillar meeting 'Back to People'
On Thursday, October 12, the Pillar Meeting 'Back to People - The Street as the Basis of Policy' took place in Heerlen. During this afternoon several 'change makers' spoke and we concluded with a presentation by Michelle van Tongerloo. She talked about her experiences as a street doctor in Rotterdam.
The afternoon was concluded by me as resident poet. I used my own experiences and made a poetic summary of the meeting. You can read the poem here.
Short story for the publication 'Heerlen is color'
The opening of a new bookshop befits new literature. Bookstore Dominicanen Heerlen offers regional talent a stage. Seven authors contributed to the anthology 'Heerlen is kleur' (Heerlen is Color). This title is taken from a poem by Harrie Sevriens. This exclusive collection contains stories, poems and illustrations by local writers: Harrie Sevriens, Anya Niewerra, Henry de Hoon, Raymond Clement, Sven Vek, Manuel Kneepkens, Sabine Op den Kamp and myself.
Spoken word for the podcast 'Europe around you'
The podcast 'Europa around you' takes you to European Heritage Label locations in the Netherlands. Each episode features spoken word specially created by Hasan Gök, Marlon Penn, Danytha and myself. Listen and read my poem "Stick figures: 1992-2022" here.
The night is BLACK
During a broadcast of De Nacht is ZWART (The Night is BLACK) on Omroep ZWART, I performed two poems. Listeners were invited to join for an hour or just a few minutes on a journey through the diverse faces and voices of the night. The theme of this particular broadcast was ADHD, for which I recited my poem 'Space' along with a new piece titled 'Prompting'.
Exhibition 'Honestly Said' at Cultura Nova
The Municipality of Heerlen, Black Lives Matter Parkstad, and the Anti-Discrimination Agency Limburg are collaborating to combat racism and discrimination. The photo exhibition "Eerlijk Gezegd" (To Be Honest) showcases local perspectives on these issues, encouraging open dialogue about society's blind spots. The exhibition features portrait photographs taken by me, along with my personal story.
'Beacons of Hope and Light' in OLV Square
During the dark month of December, Galerie Cesart is installing "Beacons of Hope and Light" by artist Adalbert Gans in the public space of Onze Lieve Vrouwe Square. The pedestals will showcase personal texts by various sharp-witted artists. Frans Budé, Axel Daeseleire, Lale Gül, Ruben L. Oppenheimer, and Amber-Helena Reisig have penned their thoughts and feelings on hope, light, and these dark times.