I HATE TALKING #2: In conversation about emotions and politics

05.02.2025
19:30 – 21:00
De Balie Amsterdam

How come I can’t stand your opinion?
Why can’t we speak without getting angry?

Join us on 5 February 2025 at De Balie Amsterdam for a conversation on how emotions drive political narratives and shape our collective worldview. In a time when gut feelings often overpower facts, this panel brings together three unique perspectives to explore the power and pitfalls of emotional storytelling in politics. How do fear, hope, and hate become tools of influence?

A thought-provoking evening blending theory, practice, and creativity to uncover how stories wield power in our political landscape – and how art functions as a weapon and as a healing tool for change.

Speakers:

• Prof. Dr. Agneta Fischer: Professor of Emotions and Affective Processes at the University of Amsterdam. Her research focuses on the role of emotions in populism and conspiracy theories.
• Dr. Matthijs Rooduijn – Political scientist at the University of Amsterdam. He studies topics such as populism, the far left and right, and polarization.
• Julian Hetzel – Artist

This programme is the second event in a series of encounters, dialogues and artistic interventions by Studio Julian Hetzel and de Balie Amsterdam. The events deal with the relation between politics and emotions like love, hate, anger and fear. The events are part of the research for Three Times Left is Right, Studio Julian Hetzel’s new performance that will premiere on 17 May at Wiener Festwochen (AT). Dutch premiere on 29 May at SPRING Performing Arts Festival Utrecht.