INSIDE THE BUBBLE - OUTSIDE THE MONARCHY
Monarchy, leadership and alternatives
performative workshop in collaboration with Renée Hartog and Fernando Burges
with special thanks to Universiteit van Amsterdam, Graduate School of Social Sciences
Saturday February 7, Mercatorbubble, Mercatorplein
Artist Marieke Warmelink invited participants inside a bubble where laws and theories do not apply, where the external world is placed outside and where for two hours long any radical thought was welcome.
What is the main question?
The goal of the workshop was to question the role of the King and to substitute the political system of the monarch. The group is asked to offer a serious proposal so the King does not have to play a role any more and the people do not have to pretend either; the false democracy can finally be replaced. After deviding roles for each participant, the group discussed possible alternatives and new proposed scenarios. The outcome of the workshop was used for the final theatre presentation.
Why discussing this topic?
In 2015 the constitutional monarchy will celebrate its 200th anniversary. Since 1814, The Netherlands has a constitution that served as a charter for the monarchy of the Netherlands. In this first constitution, a strong personal power was granted to the Sovereign. However, since then many things have changed and the monarch does not hold the same power as he had then. Marieke’s opinion is that this form of government is no longer relevant for the times we live in and that the King is not the designated person to represent the country. As someone who has not been directly elected by the people and is not even able to vote himself, the monarch does not reflect a modern democratic country. This arbitrary power is seen by Warmelink as a false democracy and she challenges: it is time for an alternative!
What exactly the project wants to address?
After all, what kind of leadership fits our society today? Can monarchs, politicians and members of the government live up to the expectations of the people? What do people expect or need? Can world leaders live up to their promises? How can one be a modern leader deal with contemporary conflicts?
What to expect from the workshop?
The workshop made use of both artistic and academic skills and tools, bringing both work fields together. This means that it is not just a discussion but a performative collaboration. Marieke is curious to hear different point of views and experiences. Above all, she is keen on the ideas that no one has thought of before.
photo impression