Gustaaf Peek
(The Netherlands, 1975) is a writer of novels, poems, stories, essays, and screenplays. His work is characterized by the compelling way in which he brings characters involved in historical injustices to life. His debut novel Armin (2008) is about children adrift after World War II. In Ik was Amerika (I Was America, 2010), a Dutch prisoner of war in World War II befriends a farm worker in a camp in the US. Decades later, he seeks him out again. Peek received the BNG Literature Prize and the F. Bordewijk Prize for this work. Godin, held (Goddess, Hero, 2014) is a candid novel about the mysterious and all-too-human nature of love. In his pamphlet Verzet! Pleidooi voor communisme (Resistance! A Plea for Communism, 2015), he undermines decades of capitalist indoctrination. His novel A.D. (2021) tells about the events and hardships aboard one of the first seaships in the 16th century to present-day Indonesia and the arrival there. In 2025, his poetry collection Orang/oetan was published.
Past events
Expelled Tongue: Poetry in Search of New Languages
Recitation by seven poets of recent or especially for this program newly written poetry.
Marx Today
As an introduction to the screening of The Young Karl Marx, writer Gustaaf Peek tells more about his pamphlet Resist! A Plea for Communism.
Ode to Joy
Schiller's idealistic poem adapted to the here and now! Eight writers and poets present their versions, accompanied by song and music on accordion and cello.
Égalité! The Legacy of the Soviets
The 2nd ideal of the French Revolution reconsidered in conversation and music. Can Marx remain a fount of inspiration?
Wintercafe 2: VPRO De Avonden
In VPRO’s De Avonden poets, musicians and writers give the audience a glimpse of their own Utopia. Gustaaf Peek, Hisham Matar and Elif Batuman will talk about writer's luck. Hosts: Jeroen van Kan and Lotje IJzermans. Music: Amarins & Le Gatte Negre Collective. In Dutch and English.
The tone and the Music
Conversation about engagement and literature with Iman Humaydan and Kettly Mars; host Hassnae Bouazza. In English
