Maxim Februari
(Coevorden, NL, 1963) was born as Marjolijn Drenth. Besides being a writer, he is an ethicist, an art historian, and a lawyer. Februari understands the art of turning moral dilemmas and legal issues into elegant prose. "It's got to be exciting and entertaining. If you write a pamphlet, no one will read it," he commented. His novel De literaire kring (The Book Club, 2007), on the morals of the Dutch cultural elite, got a very positive reception. From 2001 to 2010 Februari wrote columns for the Volkskrant newspaper. Some of these columns were published in Park Welgelegen - Notities over Morele Verwarring (Welgelegen Park: Notes on Moral Confusion, 2004). In his PhD thesis Een Pruik van Paardenhaar & Over het Lezen van een Boek (A Wig of Horse's Hair & On Reading a Book, 2000), nominated for the Golden Owl Award, he examines the relationship between economics and ethics. Currently he writes a weekly column for opinion page of NRC Handelsblad. Some of these, together with some Volkskrant columns, have been anthologised in Ons soort mensen (Our Kind of People, 2011). De maakbare man (The Makeable Man), notes on transsexuality, was published in 2013.
Past events
We're Not Holding Our Breath for a Good Book
Two passionate readers. In which novels do they feel at home, and in which ones would they absolutely not want to live? A playful and personal exchange.
The Third Chamber of Parliament
Third Chamber chair Ruben Maes invites you to debate, interrupt, and introduce amendments. Bring true democracy closer. Even if it is just for one evening. Five guests will spark off the debate: philosopher Maxim Februari, cultural historian Thomas von der Dunk, journalist Paul van der Gaag and writers Christine Otten and David Van Reybrouck enter into a discussion with you. In Dutch.
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
The Real Thing 1: Morality
Ethicists, writers and artists about their quest for truth and genuineness. A full evening's, three-part programme hosted by Michaël Zeeman. Part 1: morality. If people lose their moral bearings, can the law keep them on the straight and narrow path?Writer/ethicist Marjolijn Februari reads her column, and will talk about morality and writing with the German writer Juli Zeh and the South African writer/criminal lawyer Chris Marnewick. In English.
