Poetry International Poetry International
55th Poetry International Festival Rotterdam
Arise, Socialists!

Arise, Socialists!

What happens when you bring together the revolutionary writings of Marx and Engels, the Taoist wisdom of Zhuangzi, and the poetry of Tonnus Oosterhoff? The result is an unprecedented, multi-layered experience where language, music, and sound merge into something as thought-provoking as it is elusive. Poet and literary innovator Tonnus Oosterhoff and pianist Albert van Veenendaal take you on a journey full of unexpected turns—from whispered poetry to resonant overtones, from the bronze-hued sounds of a prepared piano to the echoes of an epic tale. What exactly will unfold will remain a mystery, but one thing is certain: it will be unique, defiant, and utterly captivating. This spectacular showcase will be hosted by Francis Broekhuijsen. 

 

Tonnus Oosterhoff

Tonnus Oosterhoff (1953) is a poet, writer, and literary innovator. His work is defined by an experimental approach to form and meaning, breaking conventional structures to create a unique poetic experience. Since his debut Boe...

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What happens when you bring together the revolutionary writings of Marx and Engels, the Taoist wisdom of Zhuangzi, and the poetry of Tonnus Oosterhoff? The result is an unprecedented, multi-layered experience where language, music, and sound merge into something as thought-provoking as it is elusive. Poet and literary innovator Tonnus Oosterhoff and pianist Albert van Veenendaal take you on a journey full of unexpected turns—from whispered poetry to resonant overtones, from the bronze-hued sounds of a prepared piano to the echoes of an epic tale. What exactly will unfold will remain a mystery, but one thing is certain: it will be unique, defiant, and utterly captivating. This spectacular showcase will be hosted by Francis Broekhuijsen. 

 

Tonnus Oosterhoff

Tonnus Oosterhoff (1953) is a poet, writer, and literary innovator. His work is defined by an experimental approach to form and meaning, breaking conventional structures to create a unique poetic experience. Since his debut Boerentijger (1990), he has built an impressive, award-winning body of work, winning amongst others the P.C. Hooft Prize and the Constantijn Huygens Prize. Oosterhoff was a pioneer of digital poetry in the Netherlands and continues to explore new ways to make text move—both on paper and on screen.

 

Albert van Veenendaal

Pianist and composer Albert van Veenendaal (1956) operates at the intersection of jazz, improvisation, and contemporary composition. Specializing in the prepared piano, he unlocks new sonic landscapes and pushes the boundaries of the instrument. Van Veenendaal has collaborated with a wide range of musicians and ensembles, spanning chamber music to avant-garde jazz, and has composed for theater and film. His playing is layered and narrative-driven, using subtle timbres and percussive effects to create a rich auditory experience. Experimentation is at the heart of his work, always serving expression and musical depth. 

Saturday June 14th

12:45 – 13:15

LantarenVenster - Auditorium 1

Fun fact: After the program, Tonnus Oosterhoff is signing at the book stand in the foyer.


Pricing

Buy a day- or passe-partout-ticket via the link above.

Language and duration

Language: Dutch

Duration: 30 minutes

Sponsors
Gemeente Rotterdam
Nederlands Letterenfonds
V Fonds
Fonds21
VSB fonds
Maatschappij tot Nut van ’t Algemeen
Volkskracht
Literatuur Vlaanderen
DigitAll
Ambassade van het Koninkrijk der Nederlanden in Suriname
Erasmusstichting
Stichting Van Beuningen Peterich-fonds
Prins Bernhard cultuurfonds
Lira fonds
Versopolis
J.E. Jurriaanse
Gefinancierd door de Europese Unie
Elise Mathilde Fonds
Stichting Verzameling van Wijngaarden-Boot
Veerhuis
VDM
College Fine and applied arts - University Illinois
Rotterdam festivals