City Talks Amsterdam: You do You
Our popular programme WorldTalks Amsterdam is making its comeback this fall 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!
Location ITA Salon
Run time 60 minutes
Genre perspective
Language English
Questions may be asked in Dutch
Register for free admission and a free beverage
You do You
This edition of City Talks, we invite you to explore the multifaceted journey of being your authentic self, where your identity isn't just celebrated but also embraced as your greatest strength. However, it's not always easy to balance your identity with societal expectations. Share your own experiences and real-life struggles, ask questions, and gain valuable insights from our speakers. Together, we'll delve into the complexities and beauty of identity and authenticity, ultimately discovering that in a world that often demands conformity, embracing who you are is not a barrier but a bridge to success.
Host of the evening is Geoffrey van der Ven.
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This edition's theme is loosely inspired by De Warme Winkel’s Freaky Friday Face Off - in which the actors take a closer look at our fascination with identity through an ingenious role-playing game - and in celebration of Black Achievement Month and LGBTQ+ History Month.
Freaky Friday Face Off can be seen at ITA from 25 – 27 October. Several events dedicated to Black Achievement Month will take place at ITA in October.
Aynouk Tan is a fashion journalist, curator and lecturer specialised in the relationship between appearance and identity. Their work challenges societal norms, aiming to deconstruct colonial, neoliberal, and heteronormative narratives, and empower individuals to embrace queer expressions of identity.
Astrid Elburg is an expert in organisational behaviour, an expats-executive coach, and a university honours lecturer in inclusive leadership and ethics. She is the chair of the supervisory board in multiple leading cultural institutions. According to Astrid’s philosophy, personal leadership is staying true to yourself, being autonomous, and being your own authority in a world full of expectations where double standards are applied.
Debbie Helaha - a multifaceted HR specialist & trainer, musician, and photographer - dedicates herself to creating a level playing field in the workplace and passionately advocates for emancipation, acceptance, and equal rights, with a strong focus on supporting the LGBTQI+ community. In an exploration of the multilayered tapestry of identity, she will also share some insights into her ongoing photo project, shedding light on the challenges and beauty of reconciling identities in a world where acceptance isn't always guaranteed.
Multi-disciplinary artist Maha Eljak draws inspiration from the rebellious spirit of the 1970’s punk era, her Sudanese roots, and the societal frustrations of everyday life. Through her art - varying from her DIY zine Mahazine to spoken word combined with punk influences - Maha wants to inspire others to be unapologetically themselves, pursue their passions, and break free from stereotypes - all without letting anyone dictate their path.
