19 minute read
What’s On
Dates for your Amsterdam agenda
For full listings of what’s on in Amsterdam, visit our website: iamsterdam.com/ whats-on
Advertisement
22 Exhibitions 24 Collections 25 Festivals, Events & Family 26 On stage 28 Classical 29 Screen, Clubbing & LGBTQ+ 29 Pop & Rock
1.5 METRES
Shifting Proximities
The debut exhibition at new Nxt Museum features large, multi-sensory installations by acclaimed artists and academics in the fi eld of New Media. At its heart, Shifting Proximities explores human experience and interaction in the face of technological and social change, which seems to be bang-on trend for our times. Curated by Bogomir Doringer and Jesse Damiani, the exhibition features a number of newly commissioned pieces as well.
Exhibitions
22 | TEXT: DAVID WILLS
World Press Photo
The 2020 edition of World Press Photo is currently on show at De Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam. As with previous years, the exhibition show cases the very best images from leading pho tojournalists along with compelling stories. Grouped into eight categories, the images will take you around the world providing insight into environmental disasters, major news events, the animal world and much more. Don’t miss this must-see exhibition.
UNTIL 29 NOVEMBER, WORLDPRESSPHOTO.ORG
Restricted Images
This collaborative exhibition by Patrick Waterhouse and the Warlukurlangu Art Centre features works made in Yuendumu and Nyirripi, both remote communities in Central Australia. People and landscapes in the region were photographed by Waterhouse, who printed the images and returned them to the communities who then painted onto the prints. It resulted in thought-provoking images referencing The Native Tribes of Central Australia publication of 1899, a book that set a new standard for anthropological photography – although the authors were oblivious to the impact they would have on the lives of the Aboriginals and the cultural protocols they infringed upon.
Infinite Identities
For this exhibition, nine artists and photographers demonstrate how they make use of Instagram. The social platform has quickly become the online space to engage audiences and circulate images, but how does that translate to the gallery space? Huis Marseille tackles the challenge head-on showing how important the physical experience is while acknowledging how social photography can enrich the exhibition format.
28 NOVEMBER-MARCH 2021, HUISMARSEILLE.NL
For full listings of what’s on in Amsterdam, visit our website: iamsterdam.com/ whats-on
Amsterdam Girls
At the very beginning of the 1990s American photo grapher Remsen Wolff spent a month at the American Hotel in Amsterdam to work on his project Special Girls - A Celebration. His focus was on transgender people from New York and Amsterdam, both performers and those struggling with their gender identity. The portraits are as exuberant and glamorous as they are subdued and vulnerable.
UNTIL 6 DECEMBER, FOAM.ORG OSCAM – the Open Space Contemporary Art Museum – aims to stimulate arts participation for Amsterdam residences. They host exhibitions and events centred around art, fashion, design and craftsmanship.
BIJLMERPLEIN 110, OSCAM.NL
Tsars & Knights
Hermitage Amsterdam sets passions alight this winter with a revealing exhibition centred on tsars and knights. Utilising masterpieces in the collection including key works from Hermitage St. Petersburg, this exhibition charts the Russian court, from courtly love through to thrilling tournaments. Around the beginning of the 19th century, Europeans were becoming interested in the Middle Ages marking the start of a revival across many cultural fi elds. The Russian court was caught under the spell of the revival with tsar Alexander III pur
METRES KEEP YOUR DISTANCE
chasing a signifi cant collection of works pre-auction, much to the anger of the French, and tsars Paul and Nicolas I both collecting ancient weapons. This exhibition presents the spoils with all the elegance Hermitage Amsterdam has become renowned for.
23
1.5
➜ ... ➜
ENJOY SAFELY,
7 NOVEMBER-31 JULY, HERMITAGE.NL
Alec Soth
Magnum photographer Alec Soth is known for recording life at the margins of American society. Following a period of seclusion, Soth is back with I Know How Furiously Your Heart Is Beating, a departure from his earlier work, as his lens is more inward looking. This new series of intimate portraits and still-life scenes makes its museum debut at Foam.
UNTIL 6 DECEMBER, FOAM.ORG
© CHICRANS BEDROOM, BUCHAREST, 2018, EIDOS FOUNDATION AND ALEC SOTH MAGNUM PHOTOS
Waterlooplein in 3D
Using 3D reconstructions, fi lm footage, photographs, objects and archaeological material, this exhibition in the Joods Historisch Museum charts the history of Waterlooplein. Once the heart of Amsterdam’s Jewish district, the construction of a new city hall and opera house in the 1980s – a development that all but obliterated the bustling Jewish neighbourhood – completely transformed the area. Learn all about the stories this area has to off er from the 17th century to the present day.
Collections
24 | TEXT: DAVID WILLS
Events might get cancelled due to the corona virus. Always check websites for the latest updates.
Your loving Vincent
Vincent van Gogh was a prolific writer of letters, and so the focus of the Your loving Vincent: Van Gogh’s Greatest Letters exhibition is on them. Rarely seen due to their fragility, a selection of his letters will be shown alongside his masterpieces. The letters cover many aspects of his life, from dreams and disappointments to his love life and friendships, and even his battles with illness. Many include sketches that show studies for paintings he was working on.
9 OCTOBER-10 JANUARY 2021, VANGOGHMUSEUM.NL
Life/ Time
When it came to observing, Rembrandt was a master. For the exhibition Life/Time his sympathetic eye focuses on his etchings and paintings of older people. As intimate as they are vulnerable, the works are powerful depictions of the el
LETTER FROM VINCENT VAN GOGH TO THEO VAN GOGH WITH 12 SKETCHES
No Justice No Peace
It’s a pivotal time for the Stedelijk Museum, who have recently committed to correcting the lack of diversity reflected in their collection and exhibition programme following the global Black Lives Matter demonstrations. First up in the museum’s steps to address and dismantle institutional racism is this specially commissioned poster by Amsterdam artist Farida Sedoc. Sedoc is known for interrogating contemporary cultural identity through her distinctive visual style. The brand new poster echoes protest posters from the 1960s, some of which are currently on view downstairs, in the museum’s Stedelijk BASE collection. The poster is an important punctuation piece for the museum: a statement of intent that will become part of its fabric. Witness it now, while it’s alive and humming with purpose. Perhaps by the time the poster joins its 1960s predecessors in the vaults of histo
STEDELIJK.NL
ry, its goal may have been realized. derly as symbols of the transience of life.
Trembling Landscapes
The notion of landscape in the Middle East is the focus of TremblingLandscapes. This exhibition considers national and natural borders, tussles over resources, territory and (colonial) history including identity, tradition and imagination. Ranging from geography and conflict through to belonging, a selection of leading Arab artists working with film and video aim to challenge and reshape perspectives drawing on complex and entangled issues such as geopolitics and poetics. Accompanying the exhibition is a rich programme of films, talks and events.
Festivals, Events & Family
TEXT: STEVE KORVER
25
Amsterdam Dance Event
The Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) is the gateway to the international electronic music scene. As the world’s biggest club festival and Europe’s leading electronic music conference, they remain adamantly ambitious for 2020 – their 25th edition. This year’s event will be largely online with limited physical events, such as seated concerts, with a focus on a professional audience.
21-25 OCTOBER, AMSTERDAM-DANCE-EVENT.NL, VARIOUS LOCATIONS
Cinekid
With the theme for 2020 being an appropriate ‘No Parents Allowed!’, this annual fi lm, television and new-media festival shows a wide variety of screenings and activities tailored to children aged between ages three and 14. They can watch fi lms and explore interactive art installations, workshops, games and apps. Every November, Museumplein in Amsterdam is transformed into a winter wonderland complete with a replica of the Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge). Ice-skate to your heart’s content with the iconic Rijksmuseum in the background while on the sidelines friendly faces watch skaters whizz by. For shoppers there’s a cosy Christmas market nearby.
7-23 OCTOBER, CINEKID.NL, VARIOUS LOCATIONS
Afrovibes
African cultural and performing arts festival Afro_Vibes tours the Netherlands every autumn. Taking place both on- and off - line, this year’s edition under the theme ‘Entanglements’ will feature an exciting selection of urban and contemporary music, theatre, dance and design by young urban creatives – all cutting-edge.
1-10 OCTOBER, AFROVIBES.NL, VARIOUS LOCATIONS
Amsterdam Light Festival
Dimmed for its 2020 edition, Amsterdam Light Festival will feature nine light sculptures under the rather curious theme of ‘When Nature Calls’. But these works are still enough to (literally) put Amsterdam's beautiful city centre and its canals in the spotlights. No matter how you choose to view the installations – by foot or bike – you’ll be amazed by their technical brilliance and beauty.
10 DECEMBER-3 JANUARY 2021
© KOEN SMILDE
Ice skating
AMSTERDAMLIGHTFESTIVAL.COM
14 NOVEMBER-31 JANUARY 2021, ICEAMSTERDAM.NL, MUSEUMPLEIN
Storytelling Festival
This annual celebration of humanity’s oldest art form features acclaimed storytellers lighting up the long autumn nights with pacey plots, touching tales and real-life accounts from around the world – all on this year’s theme of ‘Rebirth’. With shows in Dutch and English.
28 OCTOBER-1 NOVEMBER, PODIUMMOZAIEK.NL
On Stage
26 | TEXT: JAYNE ROBINSON
Events might get cancelled due to the corona virus. Always check websites for the latest updates.
Sitcom
Boom Chicago’s new show Sitcom looks to the nineties for inspiration. Back then turbulent times were treated with a good dose of comedy in the evenings to quell anxiety. For this new perfectly timed show, Andrew Moskos has analysed this popular TV staple reimagining it for a contemporary audience. Funnily enough, this show was inspired by Netflix’s mind-boggling offer to purchase streaming rights to Seinfeld. Moskos asked: do we really need more re-runs, repetitive jokes, and cliché situations? See what he’s made of it all in this hilarious live show.
UNTIL JANUARY 2021, BOOMCHICAGO.NL
The last five years
The story of a marriage takes an innovative twist in Jason Robert Brown’s award winning two-hander. Jamie Wellerstein and Cathy Hiatt are a rising novelist and a struggling actress, who fall in and out of love
over the course of five years. Packed with emotion, intimate characterization and great songs, this modern musical is a love story for our times.
13-21 NOVEMBER, ORANGETHEATRECOMPANY.COM
Freud
In the late 1950s, Jean-Paul Sartre wrote The Freud Scenario, assigned by Hollywood director John Huston. Sartre completely immersed himself in the subject and in the end had written a script for a seven-hour film. Huston cut the many hundreds of pages down to a two-hour script, resulting in a row with Sartre, who eventually had his name removed from the credits. The script has remained untouched since then. Now, Ivo van Hove stages Sartre’s mammoth work in its entirety in a world premiere by Internationaal Theater Amsterdam in co-production with Antwerp’s Toneelhuis. Performed with English surtitles on Thursdays.
The Dutch National Ballet is back with an exciting new ballet by ballet by Juanjo Arqués and William Forsythe. Performed by seven male dancers, Manoeuvre focuses on male sensitivity. It is as emotional as it is strong.
21 OCTOBER-15 NOVEMBER, OPERABALLET.NL
1.5 METRES
➜ ... ➜
ENJOY SAFELY, KEEP YOUR DISTANCE
a double suicide. But in this version by Michiel van Erp the tables are turned
27
INSIDER TIP
Rob AndristPlourde (50), comedian and
Even those who have never seen Shakespeare’s most famous love drama on stage, know the story of the great love between the star crossed lovers and its fatal outcome. Romeo and Julia begins as a blistering tribute to youth, but turns into outbursts of violence and leads to a dark tragedy that ends in as identity takes centre stage, roles are reversed and colour doesn’t matter.
improv teacher
14 NOVEMBER-5 DECEMBER, ITA.NL
John Bishop
English comedian John Bishop kicks off a series of European stand-up shows in Amsterdam. This former footballer and current funny man has sold-out shows in the UK and has a devoted audience for his warm, laid back humour. Don’t miss the laughs when he rolls into town.
8-9 NOVEMBER, MEERVAART.NL
© DIM BALSEM
Romeo & Julia
Mezrab
Mezrab’s popular storytelling evenings are now taking place every Friday evening on Facebook from 8 pm. What better way is there to end the week, and start the weekend, than with a series of inspiring stories? Join a committed crew of poets, comedians, artists and improvisers as they share tales from Amsterdam across the spectrum of creativity. All talks are in English.
Classical
28 | TEXT: HALLIE ENGEL & DAVID WILLS
➜ ... ➜ ENJOY SAFELY, KEEP YOUR DISTANCE
For full listings of what’s on in Amsterdam, visit our website: iamsterdam.com/ whats-on
Cello Biënnale
The Muziekgebouw aan ‘t IJ’s renowned cello biennial enters its eighth edition with a packed programme featuring more than 90 concerts (including six premieres) and other events. Musicians, ensembles and orchestras from 23 countries are set to take part in a programme that’s shaped by two themes. With ‘The cello takes over!’, there is a focus on works that have not originally been written for the instrument – from Purcell to The Velvet Underground. And ‘The next generation’ means there will be plenty of tomorrow’s cello stars in addition to the famous old guard.
22-31 OCTOBER, MUZIEKGEBOUW.NL
Mozart’s Requiem
Due to poor health, money worries and the pressure of work, Mozart died before he completed Requiem, arguably one of his most moving works. Over the years several composers have attempted to complete the piece to Mozart’s standards. For this rendition, the
Orchestra of the 18th Century, together with Cappella Amsterdam infuses Mozart’s Requiem with a sense of repentance and refl ection.
21 OCTOBER, MUZIEKGEBOUW.NL
Beethoven 2020
It’s Beethoven year, and as the 250th anniversary of the great composer’s birth is celebrated all over the world, the Concertgebouw puts on an ambitious programme. In the span of one November week, all nine symphonies are performed by four orchestras including the Orchestre des ChampsElysées and the Freiburger Barockorchester. On 11 October, the Concertgebouw Orchestra and Krystian Zimerman play all fi ve piano concertos in a marathon concert. And a range of leading soloists and ensembles perform the sonatas in the Recital Hall throughout October, November and December.
Screen, Clubbing & LGBTQ +
TEXT: ALISON MCGARRY & DAVID WILLS
29
Amsterdam’s much anticipated International Documentary Film Festival is returning in November, bringing documentary fi lms about life, love, politics and society to cinemas around the city. Getting deeper into what happens off -screen is an integral part of the event, and this year audiences can still enjoy the heightened experience of meeting the fi lmmakers through introductions and Q&As, be it via live or online events. Guest of Honor for the 2020 edition: Italian director Gianfranco Rosi.
18-29 NOVEMBER, IDFA.NL, VARIOUS CINEMAS
IDFA
International Queer & Migrant Film Festival
Personal explorations of identity, the fi ght for LGBTQ+ freedom, and the experiences of migrants will always be among the most captivating cinematic stories. Amsterdam’s International Queer & Migrant Film Festival gives a stage to queer art and culture in relation to migration topics, bringing diversity and inclusivity to the mainstream feature fi lm off ering. Alongside the fi lms, don’t miss the debates, performances and always-inspiring artwork.
2-6 DECEMBER, IQMF.NL
Expat Cinema
Creating a sense of community for international fi lm buff s in Amsterdam, Expat Cinema comes through with an impressive selection of foreign language fi lms with English subtitles. Screening everything from art house new releases to classic guilty pleasures, the ever-changing schedule has something to delight fans of the most obscure niche.
The best of LGBTQ + + bars bars
If you’re looking for a place for a quiet drink in Amsterdam, then pop into any of Amsterdam’s best LGBTQ bars and cafes. PRIK’s vibe is fun and fl irty with a focus on music (Spuistraat 109, prikamsterdam.nl). The Queen’s Head has an English pub feel with regular entertainment English pub feel with regular entertainment (Zeedijk 20, queenshead.nl). And for girls, head to Bar Buka in De Pijp (Albert Cuypstraat 124, barbuka.nl). Bookings may be required, check their websites for full details.
Pop & Rock
30 | TEXT: ALEX HIBBERT & DAVID WILLS
AAfter her previous tour UK star IAMDDB has devoted herself to making new music and recently released new mixtape Swervvvvv.5. The Manchester rapper-singer, born Diana De Brito, is known for her cheeky mix of trap, jazz, and hiphop. Citing influences as diverse as Erykah Badu and Nat King Cole, De Brito’s self-styled brand of ‘urban jazz’ has earned her a reputation as one of the most promising artistst on the British urban scene. Expect upbeat tunes and lots of energy for her show in Melkweg.
9 NOVEMBER, MELKWEG.NL
IAMDDB
Events might get cancelled due to the corona virus. Always check websites for the latest updates.
Warmduscher
With band members called The Saulcano and Mr Salt Fingers Lovecraft and featuring members of The Fat White Family, it’s fair to say that Warmduscher don’t sound quite like anything else you’ve heard. Three albums in they’ve basically laid waste to any genre they might be interested in, dissecting garage punk, surf pop, disco and classic rock’n’roll to make monstrous music that’s completely captivating.
Soccer Mommy
Whether writing about growing up with a mother with a terminal, long-term illness or evoking vignettes from her own experiences dealing with depression, there’s a universality to Sophie Allison’s music which invites you in and makes you feel like you’re right where you belong. As indebted to mid-1990s US indie as she is to Taylor Swift, there’s a light touch to her twinkling melodies that makes the things she writes about seem to hit home even harder.
Hailing from Bermuda, Heather Nova spent most of the 1970s and some of the 1980s sailing the Atlantic and Carribean with her family. These days she’s more likely to be found on land releasing music, writing poetry and being involved in environmental activism. In 2019 she released her tenth studio album Pearl, which she is currently touring in a series of acoustic concerts. Don’t miss this opportunity to catch this singer-songwriter whose music has appeared in soundtracks and won the hearts of many adoring fans. 12 OCTOBER, PARADISO.NL
Simple Minds
Simple Minds celebrate 40 years of hits with a worldwide tour. Since 1979 the Scottish band has released 20 studio albums, toured continuously and have seen their songs top the charts across the globe.
Grab your ticket to see them perform Promised you a Miracle, Don’t
You (Forget About Me), Alive and Kicking along with many others.
Note, this concert is the rescheduled concert of 10 April 2020. Tokyo Police Club’s alternative indie sound continues to wow fans and audiences with their refusal to follow music trends. Catch them 9 December at Melkweg.
METRES ENJOY SAFELY, KEEP YOUR DISTANCE
Leif
1.5
➜ ... ➜
Vollebekk
31
Canadian indie-folk singer-song writer Leif Vollebekk's fi rst concert at Paradiso Noord sold out quickly, so a second one was scheduled in. Inspired by Bob Dylan, Neil Young and Lou Reed, Vollebekk has truly come into his own with his latest album New Ways. The songs are about engaging and changing, touching and being touched. It’s a physical record, with louder grooves, and rawer lyrics than his previous albums. Piano and guitar complement his characteristic coarse voice, while his words hit straight to the heart. Get ready for a soul-melting experience.
Heather Nova
17 OCTOBER, PARADISO.NL
5 FEBRUARY 2021, ZIGGODOME.NL
London Calling
The twice-yearly music festival at Paradiso helps give Amsterdam’s indie kids and music lovers an insight into what’s happening across the channel and beyond. Showcasing a new collection of bands who are tipped to make it big, London Calling is often your fi rst chance to catch new acts as they begin their rise to the top, all going well.
