HARDOP - Karaoke edition

What a time to be alive as a poetry lover! Especially if you’ve always wanted to declamate, read, perform your favorite poems – or simply love karaoke a lot, but aren’t a very good singer. Then this program is perfect for you: make a choice out of our carefully curated karaoke folder full of iconic poems by poets old and new and climb onto our stage. This is your chance to read the work of your heroes out loud. You can sign up for poetry karaoke via our sign-up sheet at the festival, but be quick, because full = full!  

Geoffrey van der Ven (host) looks at the world with a curious eye. He experiences, listens and puts stories on the table. His pieces are sharp, critical and often activist. Readings are personal, built around queer and BIPOC identity. With his effervescent energy, he holds the audience and - between plays - gives them space to breathe and reflect. 

As a spoken word artist and theatre maker, he tells the stories that have gone unheard for too long. Geoffrey is currently on tour with his solo performance 'It's not new', in which he highlights Africa's queer history. Previously, he won the 'Poet of the Year' Award at Queer & Feminist Poetry Awards, his reading was featured at the Eurovision Song Festival, and he performed at major well-known venues and events, such as the New Luxor Theatre, Rotterdam Pride and Museum Night.