Spoken word live essay: more than 10 minutes

It often happens that we see spoken word artists pop up for only ten minutes somewhere in a (literary) program. In those moments, we get a brief glimpse into a centuries-old oral tradition of spoken literature. In this program, spoken word artists Yousrah Benfquih (BEL) and Jasper Albinus (NLD) will address in essays the important issues about the position of Dutch-language spoken word in the literary field. They will discuss the origins of the current art form as well as the prejudices involved in expressing anger in spoken word performances. The program invites you to look at spoken word and readings in a new way. Experience it too, just make sure your attention span lasts for more than ten minutes. 

Yousra Benfquih  

Yousra Benfquih is a writer, poet, and spoken word artist. 

In 2017, she won the txt-on-stage competition Naft voor Woord and was selected for the writing residency of deBuren in Paris. Since then, Yousra has become a regular presence on Flemish stages, ranging from Bozar to De Roma, Arenberg to Theater aan Zee. Her written work can be found in publications such as Kluger Hans, DW B, De Poëziekrant, De Revisor, and De Gids. 

In 2019, she was shortlisted for the Joost Zwagerman Essay Prize. In 2021, she was selected for the Slow Writing Lab, the talent development program of the Dutch Foundation for Literature, and in 2022 for Vers van het Mes, the poetry program of deBuren and Perdu, and Eenzame Avonturen, a literary non-fiction program by deBuren and De Gids. In 2025, together with Alara Adilow, she will write letters about consent in a colonial world for the project “Ik wil, wil jij ook?” by Hard//Hoofd and deBuren. 

Yousra is part of the permanent author pool of Rekto:verso and teaches Spoken Word at LUCA School of Arts (Writing for Performance). 

Jasper Albinus

Jasper Albinus (1997) is a writer and performer working at the intersection of poetry, spoken word, and theater. Jasper's work often explores themes such as colonial legacy, the cost of death, and characters yearning for a new beginning. In 2024, Jasper wrote a play on intergenerational violence for the youth production IN KLEUR, and is currently developing a solo performance about gender non-conforming beauty. Jasper’s work is marked by sensitivity, a keen ear for musicality, and an interdisciplinary approach.
Jasper has performed at festivals including Oerol, Lowlands, and Writers Unlimited, is affiliated with the literary production house Wintertuin, and mentors emerging talent as a coach with the spoken word platform Poetry Circle.

Mahat Arab

Mahat Arab (1996) is a spoken word artist originally from Arnhem, now based in Amsterdam. His work often explores themes of identity, discomfort, and the unexpected humor that can arise from awkwardness. His writing has been featured in De Revisor and Het Parool, and he took part in a writing residency in Paris with deBuren. Mahat has performed at major festivals including De Nacht van de Poëzie, Brainwash Festival, Lowlands, Down The Rabbit Hole, Zwarte Cross, and at venues across the Netherlands and Belgium.

In 2021, one of his poems won ILFU’s Story Competition, and in 2023, the film adaptation of that poem received the award for Best Dutch Poetry Film.

Mahat also works as a literary program curator for Poetry Circle, Mensen Zeggen Dingen, and Brainwash Festival. He is part of the Wintertuin talent development program and a member of the VPRO’s online book club, Club Lees.

Mushroom Mosis

Mushroom Mosis is the alias of Damani Leidsman, a Surinamese-Dutch artist, educator, and producer. Rooted in Africana oral traditions, healing, and Afro-futurism, their work spans music, movement, and performance. They craft sonic landscapes that blur the line between the everyday and the sacred. Their upcoming album Trace Elements, out September 5th, explores sound as a space of collective memory and transformation. As a cultural worker, Damani explores how art can nurture healing and joy, especially for marginalized communities.