The age-old art of reciting seems to have largely disappeared from the Netherlands and it is high time to bring that art back. So that we can once again experience the richness of having poetry with you at all times. Because if you learn a poem by heart, it becomes a part of you forever. Because it is valuable to have the right words ready at certain moments. To come together and share poetry. To learn more and more about poetry and poets. And it is also just great fun to recite poems by heart!
So that we can get more poetry in our lives!
"When you learn a poem by heart, it becomes part of you"
One of Babs Gons’ first wishes as Poet Laureate was to involve more people in poetry—to celebrate it together with as many people as possible. Especially to engage those who believe poetry isn’t for them. She wanted to counterbalance all the bleak news about declining reading habits among young people and the decreasing interest in language and literature. To bring new life to the art of reciting poetry.
"I have always found it unfortunate that reciting poetry has almost disappeared from schools and society. That’s why I felt it was time to bring it back, so we can rediscover the richness of learning poetry by heart—or, more beautifully put, by heart. To experience the joy of sharing poetry, mastering the art of delivering a text, and always carrying poetry with us in our hearts.
When you learn a poem by heart, it becomes part of you; you can bring it to life at any time. And besides making poetry come alive when spoken aloud, it can also strengthen our connection to literature. Especially for young people or those who feel a distance from literature, reciting poetry can bring them closer to it and help them feel part of it. Even the search for poems that resonate with you strengthens your bond with language and literature.
That’s why I teamed up with Poetry International, Poetry Circle Nowhere, Poëziepaleis, Huis van Gedichten, and School der Poëzie to develop Hardop! into a nationwide platform."
The idea behind Hardop! is to encourage and challenge people, young and old, with or without (language) disabilities, hearing and non-hearing, to memorize their favourite poems and perform them publicly. Initially, this will include offering a database of poems and instructional videos created by inspiring poets and poetry enthusiasts. The collaborating organizations will also develop initiatives focused on the art of reciting poetry.
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The idea behind Hardop! is to encourage and challenge people, young and old, with or without (language) disabilities, hearing and non-hearing, to memorize their favorite poems and perform them publicly. Initially, this will include offering a database of poems and instructional videos created by inspiring poets and poetry enthusiasts. The collaborating organizations will also develop initiatives focused on the art of reciting poetry.
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