
mikes badhuistheater amsterdam
The Cultural scene in Amsterdam (read :your major European Capital) needs some adaptation to meet demands of the present population. The original Dutch (whicheverCity) are in minority but most cultural services still reflect the ideas of 1970s when the performers were colored and the audience was white. A few cultural centers serve the ‘categorial’ “Official” minorities of the former Colonies. but these “official” minorities all together these days form a minority in the non-Dutch crowd. The Present “minority” population in whatever European Capital , lumped by the expat label, cover a few dozen nationalities. There are large communities of East Europeans, Anglo-Saxons, EU neighbours, South-Asian and several others are found. Most live well and have fun because people are friendly and many styles are encountered. However, the cultural services and facilities for them are minimal and the Municipal cultures do not benefit from their vibrant communities. It is because the cultural policies of the Municipalities prioritize the few institutions too “ big to fall “ and the “official Minority” organisations have small audiences, each one a subsidized club. A Change is necessary toward services for the “other “ cultures. And this diversity would refresh the scene. Why not start with such innovation in the parts of the Cities where so many cultures study and live.
ThePower of the SMALL
100 years ago in New York in the 1920’s ,there were Italian,Yiddish,Irish,Afro American and Russian theatres all being successful with original language productions. As a Theatre centre ourselves in Amsterdam , we host productions in many languages other than English or the Secret language of Dutch 🙂 The refreshment and renewal of the cultural scene can start from outside because many good performers are interested. Given that “our city “ of Amsterdam has much goodwill as a European metropole on a human scale, a number of reasonably priced European Theatre groups can be attracted, not only for a one-night performances , but also for workshops with the Amsterdam professionals, and workshops for the more ambitious amateurs than typical spectator. Such combinations of performances with training and education generate vibrant local culture and enlarge public interest in culture and arts because ‘delights make people hungry’ as the Polish say.
We are ready for your Proposals ! and Solidarity and looking forward to cooperating with
ECF, Krytyka Polytizcna and ZEMOS98
The ALTERNATIVE SPACES, The SPACE FORCE!
Surviving the Plague
THE Non-commercial Venues essential for Post-Corona Major Cities
SO , new paths in arts should be pursued, in particular ,the multimedia combinations because they can be homemade, which is attractive to younger age groups , thereby fostering continuity in this Endeavour. Key is that all these lines progress because only the combinations can avoid the deadlock of “too small” arts for attracting audience and ” too small” audiences for attractive arts; this is a conclusion observed in many cultural organizations. All together ,The Art Scene needs sufficient numbers to satisfy the performers ,the policymakers and the costs.
The New Faces at the European Windows are looking out and asking at the #spacesforsolidarity , And we as the art centres face questions and challenges of different demands ,not the commercial ‘as you ask, we run’ neither the artists as ‘donkeys carrying politician messages’ as Gerrit Komrij has written. Are we up to it ? Can we deliver answers for our “new” populations ? Since all the City monies are already spent twice to maintain many anachronistic buildings and out of touch businesses and even more bullshit jobs, we have to be clever instead of big. Clever means combining things together. It is a combination of organisers. The organizers cover costs of performing, marketing and organization and make the performers happy to serve, stay and come back. The Cities and Municipalities ,with European support, need to find Capital to pay reasonable accommodation and costs of stay during the services. So we are going Dutch.
In addition, investment is needed for the start-up and goodwill to attract extra sponsors.
Written by Yoram Krozer, Professor of Sustainabilty and Member of the Artistic Council of Badhuistheater Amsterdam.
Best Wishes. Mike Manicardi Gimpel email :badhuistheater@gmail.com www.badhuistheater.nl
Hi Djuro.. thank you for your Reaction.I hope you are well in the beautiful Nature 🙂
we can always talk on line , when you have time. The Main point is that there is a new Population in Amsterdam.. “Original Dutch” etc .. I can send the percentages , who is or isnt in the majority.
The Old situation in the 70s/80’s (only 50 years ago:) was that the Politically Correct wanted to see coloured performers…a sort of colonialistic solidarity 🙂 So the subsidies for a long period were mostly for Multi Cultural “official” migrants.( see above:)
Now we have totally new Population groups,(here for 30/40 years..hidden) who sometimes dont speak Dutch, but work hard ,live ,make families and consume art, and want their culture in their original Language. we shall continue this discussion 🙂 tvoje zdravlje very best Mike badhuistheater@gmail.com
Interesting thoughts on Amsterdam social/cultural history and present reality.
Can you a bit clarify for me the 1970-ies when all the performers were colored and all the audience was white?
And the original Dutch which are the minority today? From the distance, where I am right now, can’t get the image of Original Dutch. Tall blond?