City Talks Amsterdam: Moments of reflection
This season, our popular programme WorldTalks Amsterdam is making its comeback, with a tiny twist: we are going back to our Amsterdam roots! City Talks is ITA's sip & talk show, in which we focus on our city’s talented creatives and change makers. Each edition we will connect one of our theatre performances to social topics, urban trends, and daily life. We invite you to grab a drink, join the conversation, and get inspired!
Start 18:00
Run time 60 minutes
Location ITA Salon
Genre Perspective
Language English
Questions may be asked in Dutch
Register for free admission and a free beverage
MOMENTS OF REFLECTION
For some of us, this month of March does not only symbolize the beginning of spring, but it also indicates another transformative happening. In many religions, the period of fasting has arrived. In Islamic culture, for example, the holy month of Ramadan this year starts on March 22 and is expected to end on April 21 with Eid al-Fitr. For Christians, the 40-day period of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Maundy Thursday, which falls on April 6 this year. Join us this edition to learn more about these rituals, but above all to share moments of reflection, talk about community, listen to heartwarming stories, and - if you like - share a meal with us all at sunset!
After City Talks, we will hold a communal Iftar. Iftar is the main meal of the fasting day, which is consumed after sunset every day of Ramadan.
-|-
How is fasting practiced in various religions? Samira Ibrahim, theologist and hydrologist, gives us insight about the true meanings of fasting and also shares how she - as a Climate Ambassador - uses spiritual ecology and brings together communities to work on sustainable futures. With The Book Club, multidisciplinary artist Kriticos Pandelis Mwansa III has a similar mission. He frequently hosts round tables for philosophers and curious minds in the form of a book club that doesn’t require you to read a book. Reflecting and bringing together communities doesn’t only require mental, but also physical space. That is exactly what Sierra Durgaram did by founding BarBario: an Amsterdam-based creative hub, bar and safe space 'for us by us’ - specifically focussing on and celebrating BIPOC and Queer communities. To close off, creative spirit Sydney Lowell, also co-founder cultural and creative platform We The People, will delight us with her rhythmic poetry.
This edition of City Talks is part of theatre festival Lieve Stad, organised by ITA and Meervaart. Lieve Stad, takes place from 17 - 26 March and is about the city and all types of Amsterdammers that the city has to offer. City Talks is made possible by Rabobank Metropoolregio Amsterdam. A beverage will be included with your (free) ticket, courtesy of Grolsch.
Iftar
The start of the fasting month of Ramadan is determined by the position of the moon and most likely falls on Thursday morning, 23 March 2023. After City Talks: Moments of Reflection, we will offer our guests an iftar. The meal will be served between 7 and 7.45 pm. For those who wish to, there will also be an opportunity to pray in the two prayer rooms.
NB: All spots for the iftar have been reserved. You can no longer register for this.
17 - 26 March
FESTIVAL LIEVE STAD,
Amsterdam is a city of many faces, literally, because we live here together with many different nationalities. Lieve Stad is about the city and all its inhabitants. This festival, a collaboration between ITA and Meervaart, is about bringing people together, in the city, in the theatre, in society. How do we live together and what stories do all individuals and groups carry with them? They all have their own stories, strengths and challenges. Showing these is the starting point of Lieve Stad,.