Theatre studies under threat as budget cuts loom

Led by cabaret expert and UvA alumnus in theatre studies and philosophy Dick Zijp, the theatre scholars immersed themselves in the history of Dutch cabaret and protest songs on the Spui. Under the slogan “I’m studying here in protest!”, they demonstrated that humanities education is not a luxury but a necessity, according to the protesters.

“The fact that we have to use our studies as a form of protest speaks volumes. Our programmes are not just fun and games, but places where critical thinking, cultural-historical awareness and social consciousness are formed,” said theatre studies student and member of the action group Mies Martijn. “In times like these, that should be encouraged, not cut back. We are very happy with the education strikes we have seen across the country, but as students we are not allowed to strike. So we will do the opposite: we will study even harder, but as a form of protest.”

Crucial

This was the second protest lecture organised by the action group. The first took place last month and, according to Martijn, attracted more than a hundred students, lecturers and supporters to the Spui. “The turnout was hugely encouraging. It showed that we are not alone.” Yesterday, there were about fifty people.

The protest lecture on Spui is not only a statement, but also an invitation, according to the organisers.

“It is absurd that the government wants to cut back on education simply because it brings in less money. These programmes are crucial to our society because they stimulate critical thinking. This is exactly what you get when you treat education like a business: profit becomes more important than knowledge. It is therefore particularly wonderful that students are organising themselves to protest against this,” said Asva chair Teun Otte.