Freethinkers and Troublemakers: the prohibited book. Debate and exhibition (Tsjechisch Centrum)

The freedom of spirit on the book pages should not be banned by censorship. This is what the debate and exhibition on Prohibited Books at OBA Amsterdam argues.

On the occasion of Václav Havel’s double anniversary this year (5. 10 1936–18. 12. 2011), the debate promoted by the Tsjechisch Centrum will also focus on his life and work as a shining example of a troublemaker – whom he was in many ways by being a leader of the anti-communist opposition and a remarkable playwright.

Filip Bloem, from the Resistance Museum Amsterdam (Verzetsmuseum), together with The Black Archives, Polish Center, and Spinozakring will share stories about free-spirited authors and troublemakers from various periods of time. The discussion will take place at OBA Amsterdam on October 1 at 19:30 and, at the same time, it will open the new exhibition on Prohibited Books which will be on public display for free until December 17.

All the books selected for this unique exhibition inspire large groups of people with ideas about equality before the law, social freedom, and brotherhood that transcend the boundaries of religious, social, political, or racial groups. The books had posed a taboo for some sections of society at certain times, some of them fell into samizdat (Eastern European phenomenon from the communist era that promoted ideas inspiring the opposition movement). At OBA Amsterdam you will be able to see books from various authors, such as Lodewijk Meyer, Koerbagh, Anton de Kom, Lale Gül and many others.

Free event. Registration to the debate is required.

You can read more about the exhibition and its special opening on OBA’s website.