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Every Culture Has Its Stage and Costumes

Truth be told: I almost didn’t write this blog. At OEF!, we like to keep a broad view of interculturality so what could possibly sound more predictable - and stuffy! - than talking about costumes in theatre, opera or cinema? Please bear with me, though. Because today, a phenomenally beautiful Japanese movie is finally opening in Dutch theatres: Kokuhô, or “National Treasure”. Kokuhô follows two generations of actors in the world of Kabuki, the centuries-old form of Japanese t

Mauritius Wijffels

Aug 204 min read

When Similar Cultures Clash: Spain vs Italy

At first sight, European tensions over migration seem an unlikely subject for an intercultural blog. The tumultuous events in Ceuta less than two weeks ago involve border protection, migration policies, European solidarity and Schengen: matters pertaining to politics and law rather than culture. This impression is made stronger by the ensuing and ongoing diplomatic confrontation between Spain and Italy, two countries traditionally perceived as culturally very close and sharin

Mauritius Wijffels

Aug 104 min read