Bas Heijne
(Nijmegen, NL, 1960) writes essays, short stories and plays, and is a columnist with the daily newspaper NRC Handelsblad. He published the novels Laatste woorden (Last words) and Suez and received the Henriëtte Roland Holst Prize in 2005. In 2011's Moeten wij van elkaar houden, het populisme ontleed (Do We Have to Love One Another? Populism Dissected) Heijne shows how globalisation and individualism pave the way for populism. Angst en schoonheid (Fear and Beauty) was published in 2013, an essay about Dutch writer Louis Couperus, whom Heijne admires. In the same year his documentary about Couperus was broadcast. In 2015 he hosted the five-part documentary De volmaakte mens (The Perfect Human). In 2016 his essay Onbehagen – nieuw licht op de beschaafde mens (Discontent - new light on civilized man) was published. In 2017 Heijne received the P.C. Hooft Award for his essayistic works.
Past events
Fraternité! The Forgotten Value of Brotherhood
Conversations, poems and music about the comeback of the 3rd pillar from the French Revolution.
The Book of My Life: Bas Heijne
Writers talk about their favourite book - the book that inspires or moves them; the book that formed their moral or intellectual compass; the book that they would recommend to anyone.
The Return of Sultans & Tsars?
Are the tsars and sultans back or have they never been away? A conversation about the backgrounds of the current turbulent times in Turkey and Russia.
This Is Not America (Part 2)
The choice of Trump is seen primarily as a protest by citizens against the political elite, and a sign of broad discontent among the American public. Is the USA our role model?
Karen Armstrong Meets Bas Heijne
Where does the deep-seated need to believe in something come from? Why do people go so far as to carry out holy wars in the name of religion? Karen Armstrong, an expert on Christianity, Judaism and Islam, investigates the sometimes bloody, sometimes peacful history of these religions in her latest book, The Fields of Blood. Essayist Bas Heijne will be in conversation with her.
This is Our Way — Public Discussion
This is our way, and that is their way... How do you deal with one another in an environment where so many cultures live side by side? What language do you speak? What do you do on one another's holidays? Tonight three writers—two of them from countries with long histories of multiculturalism—provide ideas for dos and don'ts. No laws, just manners. The public will discuss these ideas. Do we adopt them or not? WithVamba Sherif, Cynthia McLeod, Bas Heijne and moderator Ruben Maes.
Bas Heijne's text of his life
is a fragment from the Dutch novel De Stille Kracht by Louis Couperus. Want to know why? In Dutch.
Bas Heijne's film choice
Dutch newspaper NRC Handelsblad columnist Bas Heijne writes essays, short stories and plays. And he is a film buff. He chose a number of striking film fragments on the theme 'imagination and creativity in the age of the media'. Film expert and journalist Bert Jansma interviews Heijne about his choice. In Dutch.
Burger King and Citizenship
The debate on the role of the citizen in democracy is in the spotlights. But is the ordinary citizen waiting for such a king's role? Why not have an election every so often? David Van Reybrouck, Bas Heijne and Willem Schinkel in search of the answer, talking to Paul van der Gaag. Nelleke Noordervliet opens with a column, diving into the history of Dutch democracy. In Dutch.
Amos Oz and Adriaan van Dis on Ideals
Amos Oz and Adriaan van Dis talk about the collective ideals their generation cherished. How do they look back on the 1960s and 1970st and what is left of those ideals? A conversation between two inspired writers, hosted by writer and essayist Bas Heijne. In English
Should we love one another?
Writer Bas Heijne and the British philosopher John Gray take a close look at the notion of freedom and try to find an answer to the question how people with different desires and opinions must live together. Do we have to love one another? In English.
David Mitchell's Great Expectations
British author David Mitchell presents his great expectations of literature. Bas Heijne talks to him afterwards. In English.
Zeeman's zealousness
A tribute to Michaël Zeeman about responsibility and inspiration. With Antjie Krog, Marjolijn Februari and Frans Timmermans. Host: Bas Heijne. In Dutch
In search for the Golden Rule I: the Dutch and rules
Lawyer Gerard Spong opens the evening. With Bas Heijne and host Raoul Heertje. In Dutch
In search of the Golden Rule II
Is there such a thing as a Golden Social Rule to connect people of different cultures? Tarun Tejpal and Bas Heijne go in search of such a rule. Host: Markha Valenta, MC: Raoul Heertje, music: Wolter Wierbos. In English
True Fiction - conversation with Amitav Ghosh
The Indian writer talks to Bas Heijne about his oeuvre and his new novel Sea of Poppies. Ghosh, who does research for years before putting pen to paper. finds fiction more interesting than history. In English.
Images of fear
From mushroom cloud to collapsing Twin Towers. With Bas Heijne, Gerrit Jan Wolffensperger, Hassan Daoud and Joris Luyendijk (host). In English.
Gulliver's New Travels
Nukila Amal (Indonesia), Rustum Kozain (South Africa), Atte Jongstra and Allard Schröder wrote Gulliver's New Travels and perform this contemporary version, directed by Carel Alphenaar, followed by an interview by Bas Heijne. English spoken.
Young in Africa
The Nigerian writer Helon Habila gives us his 'Manual for the Independent Mind', and talks with the South African writer Niq Mholongo on ambition and political engagement. Chaired by Bas Heijne. English spoken.
Ode to the Caribbean woman
Austin Clarke and Drisana Deborah Jack, two Carribean writers in diaspora, discuss the role of the black Caribbean woman in their work. Bas Heijne chairs the discussion. English spoken.
