Bijbels Museum Presents 'Stories for Another World' Event in Amsterdam
The Bijbels Museum in Amsterdam is supporting a special philosophical discussion evening, "Felix & Sofie: Stories for Another World." This event, organized in collaboration with Filosofisch Café Felix & Sofie, is dedicated to exploring diverse narratives and historical perspectives concerning women.
The discussion is scheduled for Friday, October 27, from 8:00 PM to 9:30 PM, with doors opening at 7:30 PM. It will take place at OBA Oosterdok, located at Oosterdoksplein 143 in Amsterdam, rather than at the museum's main location.
An Evening Exploring Women's Stories and Perspectives
This program aims to delve into both historical and fictional accounts of women, questioning whether these narratives merely tell stories about individuals or if they open pathways to different worlds. Discussions will explore the significance of female representation in history and literature and how these stories contribute to broader emancipation. The evening will also consider what can be learned from previously overlooked women's histories and how new narratives can support young women today.
Three notable speakers will lead the evening's program, offering different lenses through which to view these themes.
Featured Philosophers and Poet
- Roos Slegers, a philosopher from Tilburg University, will explore the work of science-fiction and fantasy writer Ursula K. Le Guin. Slegers will demonstrate how Le Guin's "speculative fiction" serves as a crucial source for women's stories concerning pain, power, inequality, and struggle.
- Eveline Groot, a philosopher at Erasmus University, will analyze how people are meant to coexist through the allegory of the city, comparing the works of Saint Augustine and early feminist philosopher Christine de Pizan. Her lecture will highlight two powerful narratives with distinct perspectives on the roles of men and women in society.
- Maartje Smits, a poet, will present readings from her 2015 collection, "Als je een meisje bent" (If you are a girl), with poems that resonate with or challenge the themes explored in the two lectures.
The program and moderation for the evening will be handled by Sophie van Balen and Alrun Bernhard.
Planning Your Visit: Tickets and Related Exhibition
Tickets for the event are priced at €10, with OBA cardholders receiving a discounted rate of €5. Reserve your ticket here.
Visitors attending the philosophical evening can also explore a related photo exhibition, "Eva, Sara en Hanna: Vrouwen van de wereld" (Eve, Sarah, and Hannah: Women of the World). This exhibition, featuring artist Caroline Waltman, offers contemporary interpretations of biblical women. It runs from September 1 to December 31 at OBA and can be visited for free before the philosophical program. Learn more about the exhibition.
This program is an initiative of Filosofisch Café Felix & Sofie, a monthly platform for philosophy in Amsterdam established in 1999, invited by the Bijbels Museum. OBA Oosterdok, one of the largest libraries in the Netherlands, provides the venue, featuring its 250-seat theater and a café with city views.
For those interested in discovering more cultural events and institutions in Amsterdam, Musemap (musemap.art) offers a comprehensive guide. You can browse other museums or explore the city on a map to find unique experiences.
