What is your show about?
‘With this show, I introduce international students to Dutch culture and history. As a country, we invite newcomers to take part in our society, but at the same time we often leave them to figure things out for themselves when it comes to the unwritten rules, customs, and culture in the Netherlands. Besides being a comedian, I am also a city guide in Amsterdam. That allows me to offer a unique insight into how Dutch society works. Whether it is Enschede, Delft or Amsterdam, every city has its own character and culture. Looking at these places with a fresh perspective helps you discover what makes people and communities special.’
So is it a history lesson or a comedy show?
‘It is both: a history and culture lesson with humour. So there will definitely be plenty of jokes.’
Why is this a good fit for the Well-being Weeks?
‘Through my show, I want international students to feel at home in the Netherlands, and therefore also in Twente. When you come to the Netherlands, it can be difficult to find your place. International students can feel lonely and lost. I hope that after the show, visitors feel more connected to their surroundings and become enthusiastic about our country.’
What do you hope students will take away from your show?
‘Enschede has a long-standing tradition of not complaining and taking care of one another. This is known as noaberschap. You see it more strongly in Twente than in many other parts of the Netherlands. I want to show internationals that people here genuinely look out for one another.’
Is your show different at every university?
‘The current version of the show premiered two years ago. To give audiences a sense of feeling at home in their region, I adapt the content to the area I am visiting. As a result, the performance feels slightly different wherever I go.’
Which topics will you cover at UT?
‘The focus is mainly on how Twente and the city of Enschede have written their own story. Think of the textile industry’s history, the region’s culture, and its economic development.’
You are from Amsterdam. How do you immerse yourself in Twente culture?
‘To discover which topics matter in Twente, I read books, listen to podcasts, and visit Rijksmuseum Twenthe. In fact, I will be doing that again on Thursday before my performance. It helps me get into the right frame of mind. By talking to people from UT and visitors to the museum, I can better understand the Twente mindset. Then I ask myself: what matters to people in Twente? I always come back to three things: its industrial heritage, its green landscape, and noaberschap. During my show, not only do students learn something new, but even people who were born and raised in Twente will pick up a few new insights.’
What appeals to you about performing at universities?
‘Young people are often looking for a sense of belonging. They want to understand how society works and how they can become part of it. Universities play an important role in that. I have also had a connection with universities for quite some time, because I was already performing for student associations around ten years ago.’
