Amsterdam – This year there have been demonstrations all over the world in the spirit of the Arabian Spring. The reason might be the raise of a bus ticket (Brazil), or the removal of public space (Turkey). No doubt that there is a deeper dismay. The demonstrations are basically peaceful, but somehow the authorities don’t know how to handle the situation and sometimes the situation turns out to be extremely violent. During the demonstrations in Ukraine this week, an EU-decorated piano was placed in front of the riot squad. The 22-year old person was playing Opus 64 of Chopin as a protest (NRC). Maybe it is a bit surreal, but it certainly made an effect. In almost every demonstration music plays a major or a minor role.
Continue reading “Rhythm makes you brave” – an interview with Marije Nie