keep your distance, touch me

Klarafestival 2022 is devoted to togetherness, a theme that inspired psychoanalyst Professor Paul Verhaeghe to write his essay ‘Houd afstand, raak me aan’ [‘Keep your distance, touch me’]. In the author’s words: “A dual desire is at work within each of us. Wanting to be with others, longing for recognition; I want to be seen and to feel loved; I want to embrace others – come here and let me kiss you. But we also want to be alone, to retreat into the shell of the body; I am shutting the blinds and switching off my phone – leave me alone. The latter is the exception, and the former desire is many times stronger: we are social cuddly bears.”

This lecture is in Dutch.

Talks, concerts and workshops at Muntpunt

In partnership with Muntpunt and Davidsfonds, Klarafestival provides some background and clarification to the festival theme and the concerts. This year, we expand on the traditional format of talks to include a workshop and a concert for the little ones. Both before and during Klarafestival, Muntpunt will be the go-to place to explore the festival theme, learn about jazz legend Branford Marsalis, take part in a session based on centuries-old musical traditions and introduce children to classical music. Tickets are available from  www.muntpunt.be.