Rodaan Al Galidi
(Iraq, 1971) fled his country in 1998 after completing architecture studies, was given asylum in the Netherlands and settled there legally in 2007. Since then he has published poetry, novels and collections of his columns. He received the 2000 El Hizjra literature award and the 2011 Literature Prize of the European Union. In 2013 he published Liever niet, antwoordt de liefde (Maybe Not, Was Love's Reply), an anthology of refreshing love poetry. His novel Hoe ik talent voor het leven kreeg (Two Blankets, Three Sheets) tells of his experiences as an asylum seeker in the Netherlands. Al Galidi published the short story collection Duizend-en-een-nachtmerries (A Thousand and One Nightmares) in 2017 and a poem collection Neem de titel serieus (Take the title seriously) in 2018.
Past events
Myths as Identity Arena
Old myths continue to influence our identity and relationship with the other. With the Indian mythologist Arshia Sattar, Jennifer Makumbi from Uganda and Maarten van der Graaf from The Netherlands. Writer Rodaan Al Galidi read from his work.
The Rage of Europe - about the innermost outsiders of Europe
Warsaw, Berlin, Brussel, Bucharest: points of view and interpretations about rage in Europe. With poems and music as counterpoints.
The Book of My Life: Rodaan Al Galidi
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.
IS: The Counter-Narrative
A conversation, a video essay, a poem and music about how to counteract the horror campaign and propaganda machine of the so-called Islamic State.
The Secret Space - Poetry
Within De verborgen ruimte (The Secret Space), the map is newly read and drawn by nine poets. Which sounds and tones belong in it, what has not yet been said, and what is continually misunderstood?
Rodaan Al Galidi's Film Picks
With clips from Citizen Kane (Orson Welles), La Grande Bellezza (Sorentino), Der Untergang (Hirschbiegel) and Holy Motors (Léos Carax).
Welcome in Holland
Rodaan Al Galidi roamed the world without a passport until he ended up in a Dutch refugee centre. Without the benefits of refugee status or an integration diploma, he built a career as a writer. His latest book, Hoe ik talent voor het leven kreeg (How I Found a Talent for Life), is presented to the public and to special guest Adriaan van Dis tonight.
Talking to the poets: Rodaan Al Galidi and Alfred Schaffer
Host Francis Broekhuijsen welcomes the poets. Meet, greet and have your books signed! In Dutch.
Call me, call me!
'For those I love, I want to be called,' Neeltje Maria Min said in one of her most famnous poems. The poets Rodaan Al Galidi, Alfred Schaffer, Kira Wuck and nominees for the VSB Poetry prize Miriam Van hee and Antoine de Kom translate this profound longing. Rapper/poet Typhoon performs and Arie Boomsma presents. In Dutch.
Programme in cooperation with Poetry International and CPNB
Who's Afraid of Youth
Pupils from schools in The Hague present their own best poems. They've had over ten hours of poety lessons behind them. Tonight poet Rodaan Al Galidi performs with them. Programme in cooperation with Huis van Gedichten. In Dutch.
Around the World with Umar - LOL
Are writers present-day jesters and do they get away with mockery, as long as what they say is meant in jest? Three Pakistani writers, Wajahat Ali, Mohammed Hanif and Umar Mirza, cross swords, or rather: words, on this topic. With a humorous performance by Rodaan Al Galidi and music by the Iranian percussionist Mohammad Reza Mortazawi. English spoken.
Long live poetry!
The best poets of the year read their poetry. Those nominated for the VSB Poetry Award, Luuk Gruwez, Ester Naomi Perquin and Menno Wigman, perform together with Ellen Deckwitz (C. Buddingh' Prize 2012 for the best poetic debut) and Rodaan Al Galidi (Literature prize of the European Union).
A programme in cooperation with Poetry International. In Dutch.
Dream Language
‘Come to me, my language, come back’, Derek Walcott wrote. How does it feel to write in another language than your own? Does this new language also become the language in which you dream? Asis Aynan presents Ahmad Al Malik, Rodaan Al Galidi, Raj Mohan and Chika Unigwe, who will share their experiences. With musical accompaniment by guitarist Lourens van Haaften. In Dutch .
Thought for the Festival
Rodaan Al Galidi gives a comforting, humorous or maybe fatalistic reflectiom on the festival. A nightcap for those homebound. A boost for those plunging into that late winter's night. In Dutch.
VPRO De Avonden
In the square in front of the theatre there is De Kas. The whole evening Jeroen van Kan talks with writers at the festival for the VPRO radio programme De Avonden Live. Visitors are allowed to peek freely and listen in. In Dutch and English.
21.17: Bernice Chauly
21.35: Ghalia Benali
22.05: Bejan Matur
22.15: Rodaan Al Galidi and Chika Unigwe
22.35: Nazmiye Oral and Kader Abdolah
Happy Poetry
Poetry makes you happy! Allow yourself to be inspired tonight and get carried along by poets and performers Kees van Kooten, Rodaan Al Galidi (Iraq) and Marjolijn Heemstra, who get happy from poetry and want to share that happiness with others. Presented by Trio Lang & Gelukkig. In Dutch.
Wintercafe 1: Who's Afraid of Youth?
Pupils of two secondary schools - Dalton Voorburg and Nova College - climb the stage to read poems they wrote themselves. With poet Rodaan al Galidi. Host: Francis Broekhuijsen. Singer Faya will sing one of the poems. In Dutch.
Wintercafe 2: VPRO De Avonden Live
VPRO's De Avonden looks for literary means of becoming a better and happier ‘Mensch’ With Rodaan al Galidi, Thomas Möhlmann, Iman Humaydan and Abeer Soliman. Singer songwriter Lotte van Dijck, together with Peter Akkerman, takes the audience right through performances to her musical Utopia. Hosts: Jeroen van Kan and Catherine van Campen. In Dutch and English.
