Past events

Few philosophers are as adored and as reviled as Judith Butler. But why does Butler's thinking cause such a stir?

Two fully improvised performances by two of the country's best improv theatre groups: Broos and Rauwe Vitrage.

Jaap Cohen (biographer) and Martine Groen (clinical psychologist) discuss the life of Theo van Gogh.

Humorous play by drama group Los Zand, directed by Andrea de Leeuw.

De droom van het genot: Why our desires will never be satisfied.

A literary evening dedicated to the new edition of Over ziek zijn, an experimental collection of essays in which twelve contemporary authors (Lieke Marsman, Babs Gons, Marijn Sikken et al.) respond to Virginia Woolf's On Being Ill.

Humorous play by drama group Los Zand, directed by Andrea de Leeuw.

Poetry, performance, and experimental music - a night about Mia You's Festival.

Humorous play by drama group Los Zand, directed by Andrea de Leeuw.

Humorous play by drama group Los Zand, directed by Andrea de Leeuw.

nY launches their latest issue, on capitalism's excesses and surplus as a mode of resistance.

Humorous play by drama group Los Zand, directed by Andrea de Leeuw.

Constantly connected, permanently absent: reflections on a mediated existence.

Appeals to human rights, tolerance and humanity seem powerless in Gaza, Lebanon and Ukraine. Can basic values of humanism still have practical and political meaning?

A book presentation and literary evening curated by Tsead Bruinja.

Is everything eros? Is our desire exclusively erotic?

How is AI changing the way we write and think about art?

Bert Sanders gives a presentation of 75 poems from his first collection.

In this concert, klezmer band Shu'al connects the East with the West, the old with the new, and the accessible with the disruptive.

Poignant songs with beautiful themes. A moving but also funny love story in which personal songs alternate with disarming lyrics.

The first evening of Zaaf took place in 2017. Now they're back by popular demand!

Host: Marija Cetinić.

Philosopher Anja Machielse argues for a resilient society. Loneliness is mostly framed in government policy in individualistic terms, while it is a systemic problem of social organisation. What can we as a society do against this problem?

With poet Dominique de Groen, reader Astrid Lampe, poet Astrid Haerens and reader Hannah Chris Lomans.

Time to go back to the philosophical café of Amsterdam, now for a talk about the night.

This energy, this chaos, this flouting of all rules... There is no taming that. De moeder van Wim: improvisational theatre at its most alive.

A programme in the Week van de Toegankelijkheid, with Laura Broekhuysen and Monique Oudshoorn.

Emeritus professor and philosopher Marc de Kesel talks about the fascinating life of Hugo Claus from a psychoanalytical perspective.

Launch of the new book by Frank Keizer, In en uit de oliestoel, with the author, Hannah van Binsbergen, Benjamin de Roover, and Kaya Erdinç.

A play by Marieke Heerema of mime company WYF.

A play by Marieke Heerema of mime company WYF.

A tragicomic drama about the demise of a successful existence in the spotlight.

A tragicomic drama about the demise of a successful existence in the spotlight.

A tragicomic drama about the demise of a successful existence in the spotlight.

A solo performance by Alaa Shehada.
A theatrical symbol of resilience and imagination.

A solo performance by Alaa Shehada.
A theatrical symbol of resilience and imagination.

A solo performance by Alaa Shehada.
A theatrical symbol of resilience and imagination.

A solo performance by Alaa Shehada.
A theatrical symbol of resilience and imagination.

Attend the launch of the first issue of the new journal Transcript, edited by Daniël van der Winden and Iris Cuppen.

A personal and moving theatre performance that tells the story of Alice, a transgender activist growing up in Russia.

A performance about queerness, anger, shame and the overdeveloped ability to conform to the norm.

A performance about queerness, anger, shame and the overdeveloped ability to conform to the norm.

A personal and moving theatre performance that tells the story of Alice, a transgender activist growing up in Russia.

A performance about queerness, anger, shame and the overdeveloped ability to conform to the norm.

A personal and moving theatre performance that tells the story of Alice, a transgender activist growing up in Russia.

A performance about queerness, anger, shame and the overdeveloped ability to conform to the norm.

A personal and moving theatre performance that tells the story of Alice, a transgender activist growing up in Russia.

A musical performance, based on Mirjam Oldenhave's book Boutje van de Rommelberg.

Perdu is on a summer break. Programming will start again in September; the bookshop as usual is open throughout summer. Enjoy the sun everybody, and see you soon!

An exploration of personal, artistic, and historical archives in poetry. With Radna Fabias, Mia You, Maaike Meijer. Host: asha karami.

With Linde van Schuppen, Ellen Deckwitz, Maartje Nevejan and Sanneke de Haan. 

A musically rich, family friendly theatershow full of surprises. From the 16th century Shakespeare to the contemporary Dutch writer-editor Don Duyns. 6 Times at Perdu in the month of June!

A musically rich, family friendly theatershow full of surprises. From the 16th century Shakespeare to the contemporary Dutch writer-editor Don Duyns. 6 Times at Perdu in the month of June!

The launch provides a unique opportunity to indulge in literary explorations and connect with like-minded individuals
within the poetry community. Special guests at the launch include Stephanie Green and Roberto
Reséndiz Carmona.

Also with: Djûke Poppinga, Ghayath's translator from Arabic

A musically rich, family friendly theatershow full of surprises. From the 16th century Shakespeare to the contemporary Dutch writer-editor Don Duyns. 6 Times at Perdu in the month of June!

The twelve participants of Perdu's writing workshop present their work - a result of nine months of reading, (re)writing and experimenting. In presence of workshop supervisors Hannah van Binsbergen and Jeroen van Rooij.

Breukvlakken and De Nationale Opera dive into Beethoven's most-known opera, currently on show at the Nationale Opera & Ballet.

The last edition of Felix & Sofie before summer hits, in collaboration with the Rotterdam research group Desire + Capital.

Guests: Ryan Kopaitich, David van Putten en Jamie van der Klaauw.

Beate Roessler will speak about autonomy. How do you actually live an autonomous life? And how can we preserve our autonomy within the current political changes in the Netherlands? Is the life we lead really the life we want to lead?

An evening on motherhood, womanhood, desire, queerness, castration, and intimacy. With performative readings by isabel wang pontoppidan and Anto López Espinosa.

A variety of scenes combine tragedy, burlesque and wry humour to evoke history, talk about life and love, and reflect on art.

An evening celebrating the book Amplifying, the first title in the publication series Archival Textures.

A two-day festival of performances bringing together international artists to the heart of Amsterdam, exploring the voice and what it can contain. Combi-tickets for both festival days are also available via the Read More link.

A two-day festival of performances bringing together international artists to the heart of Amsterdam, exploring the voice and what it can contain. Combi-tickets for both festival days are also available and accessible via the Read More link.

Barbara Schilthuis presents and performs a poetic programme with her own songs and writing.

Naleven, a short film about the unexpected lengthening of Ea's life, will be presented twice on Saturday. Casper Steketee directed it as part of his education at the Brussels film academy.

An evening of readings and conversation on the novel, the home, and the rhythms of the domestic.

Strike Me Pink presents three original queer short plays. With work from Linda Sjöström, Mimi van Amerongen, and Ralph Remers.

Festive evening where writers from Kantlijn perform stories around the theme of hot air balloons and dream destinations.

Once a month at HUMA café in Perdu, a guest speaker talks about the art of living, philosophy or current social issues. Organised by Humanistisch Verbond, region Amsterdam Amstelland.

Hypatia award ceremony

With Marianne Dagevos, Amal Karam, Maureen Ghazal and Rasha Hilwi. Host: asha karami.

The last in a series of four evening programs on shame. With Nelleke Nicolai, Martine Groen, and performances by Liesbeth Vreeburg and Manon Uphoff. Moderator: Koen Hilberdink.

CANCELLED DUE TO STRIKES

A talk about fatigue, especially the one caused by technology with Keynote speaker: Geert Lovink, a student panel and round table conversation.

An introduction to the less well-known poetic and lyrical works of the famous humorous author P.G. Wodehouse. With Hal Cazalet, Donald Duk, Maria Jette, Peter Nieuwenhuizen, Tony Ring + employees/volunteers from Perdu. Host: Rob Sander.

An invitation to reflect on the prevailing structures of contemporary crises and their critical representations. Featuring 12 artists and 4 mentors from across the globe, the event will engage with their distinct strategies for re-examining history and challenging dominant narratives.

A poetry evening with Adelaide Ivánova and Clara Amaral. Host: Jimena Casas.

Coen Cuijpers (1981) is and adventurer, writer, poet, and nomad. In this performance, he will play himself as much as possible...

Readings and performances in conversation with Nanne Timmer. Hosted by Jimena Casas in Perdu's bookshop.

A discussion about the Dutch selection for the Venice biennial. Roundtable discussion and lecture. More info on: https://www.aicanederland.org/contact-aica/

13 texts for a baby, a project by Jonathan Griffioen and Watershed, with live readings by Alara Adilow, Erik Jan Harmens, Gerda Blees, Iduna Paalman and Jonathan Griffioen himself.

Readings by two of the UK’s foremost radical poets, Mira Mattar and Keston Sutherland. Hosts: Phil Baber & Marija Cetinić.

Engage with the work of involved artists: Müge Yılmaz, Joy Brandsma, Dorothy Blokland, Carlo De Gaetano, Janine Armin, and Femke Dekker. Keynote speaker: Leanne Betasamosake Simpson.

At HUMA café in Perdu, a guest talks about the art of living, philosophy or current social issues once every month. Organised by the Humanistisch Verbond, Amsterdam Amstelland.

Come hear a rousing selection of poetry and prose from students and faculty of the International Writers' Collective. Stay afterward for drinks, bites, and literary camaraderie.

An evening about the relation between poetry and radical politics, with Maxime Garcia Diaz, Hannah van Binsbergen, Arno van Vlierberghe, and Çağlar Köseoğlu. Hosts: Jarmo Berkhout and Hanna de Grave Loyson.

A monthly philosophical programme with different guest speakers and themes. This time, Jeroen Hopster and Victor Gijsbers will speak about the relationship between time, coincidence, and casuality.

Editing and moderators: Trijsje Franssen & Marcel Zuijderland.

The launch of four pioneering humanities research projects with Dr. Emily Clark, Dr. Kyveli Mavrokordopoulou,Dr. Marek Jancovic, and Dr. Iris Burgers. Moderated by Dr. Colin Sterling.

Talenten uit diverse disciplines komen 13 en 14 april samen om een Nederlandse versie van Brecht en Weill's parodische en maatschappijkritische Dreigroschenoper ten tonele te brengen.

Talenten uit diverse disciplines komen 13 en 14 april samen om een Nederlandse versie van Brecht en Weill's parodische en maatschappijkritische Dreigroschenoper ten tonele te brengen.

Talenten uit diverse disciplines komen 13 en 14 april samen om een Nederlandse versie van Brecht en Weill's parodische en maatschappijkritische Dreigroschenoper ten tonele te brengen.

The fourth and final evening in the new season of the successful series THE BIOGRAPHY IN PSYCHOANALYSE. Annette Portegies will talk about her biography 'Weerspiegeld in een waterglas, Maurice Gilliams 1900-1982' (Athenaeum, 2022).

With David Alberti, Lotte Brown, Benjamin De Roover and Annemarie van der Meulen. Host: Anne Bosveld.

Presentation of 2 new bundles by F. van Dixhoorn with Arjen Duinker, Joost Oomen, Kees ’t Hart, Samuel Vriezen and F. van Dixhoorn of course!

Experience a rich, multilingual tapestry of poetry with Alwyn Roux, Tom Dreyer, Hannah van Binsbergen, and Nachoem Wijnberg at Perdu's Poetic Reflections..

Poet/composer Rozalie Hirs and writer/artist Miek Zwamborn will dive into the subjects that keep surfacing in their practices. Interviewed by Anneke Brassinga.

The third in a series of four evenings about the theme of 'Shame.' Organised by Stichting Breukvlakken in close collaboration with Stichting Perdu. With Erik Koenen & Aukje Nauta and contributions by Elke Geurts & Luan Buleshkaj. Moderator: Christien Brinkgreve.

With poetry by Idwer de la Parra and music by composer Heleen Van Haegenborgh. Host: asha karami.

A joint poetry reading in Perdu's bookshop by Shira Wolfe en Amir Abualrob, in solidarity with the Palestinian people.

To celebrate the publication of 'Virgula' in English, Perdu has the pleasure of hosting Sasja Janssen, Anne Vegter, Michele Hutchison and Jess Chandler. Hosted by Oliver Taylor. In partnership with Prototype Publishing.

Every year Perdu organises the ultimate cross-section of Dutch-language poetry: no fewer than 30 poets in 3 hours. Only interrupted by one break, not by announcements, bio or bibliographical information.

Mieke Tillema talks about her biography 'Ida Simons. Pianiste, schrijfster, overlevende' (Cossee, 2021). With psychiatrist/psychoanalytic psychotherapist Greet Kuipers. Moderator is Annelies van Hees.

A comic autobiographical performance with honest tales from Sam's personal life.

Performance: Sam Eggenhuizen
Music: Ben van Daal
Stage direction: Annemieke Ros
Dramaturgy and production: Dana Bezemer and Sam Eggenhuizen
Set: Sam Eggenhuizen with support from HB Staging

A lecture programme full of images by monshouwer editions and bradwolff projects.
With: Lisa Huissoon, Guido van de Wiel, and Carel Blotkamp. Mystery guest Nishiko - Marc Nagtzaam & Stephan Keppel.

Poets Veva Leye, Caroline Ruijgrok, Betül Sefika, Simone Atangana Bekono en Tabea Nixdorff will search for how a poem becomes a body through newly-created works. Hosted by Anne Bosveld.

As part of Poetry Week, SLAA and Perdu present an evening on Thursday 25 January around the importance of literary translation. The programme will be moderated by Elte Rauch.

HELL, een theatrical recital for soprano and piano by Boudewijn Tarenskeen

Soprano; Bernadate Astari
Piano; Gerard Bouwhuis
Music; Boudewijn Tarenskeen
Text; Dante Alighieri
Director: Paul Koek

HELL, a theatrical for soprano and piano by Boudewijn Tarenskeen

Music; Boudewijn Tarenskeen, 2022
Soprano; Bernadeta Astari
Pianist; Gerard Bouwhuis
Directed by Paul Koek
Costume; Patricia Lim

An evening of performative readings, video and sound works by students of the MA Critical Studies at Sandberg Instituut, Amsterdam. Hosts: Marija Cetinić and Alec Mateo.

With Wouter Gomperts, Maggie Eybrechts, Valentijn de Heer en Hava Güveli. Moderator is Martine Groen.