In these true folk songs about life, written in 2023 by writers from Rotterdam, two troubadours sing about the present as well as the future. Generation X to Y to Z, e-scooter concerns, takeaways, high-rise flats, gentrification, and a SpaceX-driven society. Their mission? To return the narrative ‘song of life’ to the pub, the sanctuary for all walks of life where the ‘voice of the people’ can be heard. Welcome to Café O. Oh. Rotterdam, society’s gauge. Enter into conversation with each other. Who knows, someone may say something sensible!

Inspired by the musical founders of the bitter-sweet Dutch song of life and the rich history of Verhalenhuis Belvédère, MAKTUB creates a memorable ‘pub night’ that entertains, engenders friction, and plays with the expectations of the audience. “People’s natural environment is their fellow humans,” according to J.A. Deelder. Or was it his Iphone who said it?

Songs and food! Prior to O. Oh. Rotterdam Verhalenhuis Belvédère (60 minutes before the start of the performance) serves a delicious meal with songs about life from Suriname, Indonesia or Cape Verde. By guest chefs in the Volkskeuken who cook their most delicious recipes with heart and soul. Reserve a seat at the table for the meal via Verhalenhuis Belvédère (€12.50, not included in tickets for the performance):

Friday May 19 – 18:00: Brigitte Doest (Surinamese Cuisine)
Friday May 19 – 21:00: Brigitte Doest (Surinamese Cuisine)
Saturday May 20 – 18:00 uur: Yin and Nanny (Indonesian Cuisine)
Saturday May 20 – 21:00 uur: Yin and Nanny (Indonesian Cuisine)
Sunday May 21 – 14:00 uur: Ana Paula da Cruz (Cape Verdean Cuisine)
Sunday May 21 – 18:00 uur: Ana Paula da Cruz (Cape Verdean Cuisine)

“Rowan and Lisse lift up everyday Rotterdam life, make it comforting and universal. They sing straight from their heart to yours.” – Hans Blik, managing director O.