(The Netherlands, 1996) is a spoken word artist, writer and organizer of books and poetry events. Many of his lyrics are about identity, awkwardness but also the humour we can encounter in discomfort. His work has appeared in De Revisor and Het Parool, and he has performed in De Nacht van De Poëzie, Brainwash Festival, Lowlands, Down The Rabbit Hole, Zwarte Cross and theatres throughout the Netherlands and Belgium, among others. Furthermore, Mahat is a literary programme maker at Poetry Circle, Mensen Zeggen Dingen and Brainwash Festival. He is also a team member of Club Lees, VPRO's online reading club. He played his self-written performance Een poëtisch rommeltje on several stages, including Oerol 2025.

Instagram: @mahat.ar
Instagram: @vproclublees

(Lebanon, 1999) is a Palestinian-Ukrainian Peace Ambassador and Storyteller. Her life journey has given her a unique perspective, having experienced two wars and becoming a refugee twice. Through these experiences, she discovered the transformative power of storytelling and the ability of individuals to shape their own narratives and the world around them. To share this vision, Zoya founded Waves to Home, a global movement aimed at changing the world through personal & collective stories. She is currently writing her fi rst book, sharing her story as a message of hope and inner freedom. Zoya aspires to become a Positive Psychologist to help others create meaningful lives despite the traumas they have been through and guiding them towards healing.

Instagram: @zoyamiari