The State of the World: Marc Bamuthi Joseph on the challenges of making art in times of political tension

De Balie

Shortly after the Trump administration took office, performing artist Marc Bamuthi Joseph was fired. Until then, he had served as the Artistic Director of Social Impact at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. During The State of the World, he reflects on the challenges of making art in times of political tension.

The State of the World is an annual interview series organized by De Balie and the Nederlands Theater Festival (NTF), in which a leading international artist reflects on the role of art in our changing world. This year’s special guest is Marc Bamuthi Joseph. In the media, he has spoken out about the impact of these institutional shifts on artists and staff. His critical stance, along with his sharp vision on the role of art in a divided society, is the reason for his visit to Amsterdam.

During The State of the World, Marc Bamuthi Joseph speaks about his personal experiences within the American arts sector, the challenges of creating art in politically turbulent times, and the power of imagination as a source of healing, resistance, and connection. The interview program The State of the World is a collaboration between NTF and De Balie, as part of Amsterdam Fringe x NTF PRO.

About the speaker

Marc Bamuthi Joseph is a TED Global Fellow and a member of the prestigious American Academy of Arts and Sciences. He has collaborated with major orchestras and opera houses across the U.S., including the LA Philharmonic, the New York City Ballet, and the Washington National Opera. His work—from spoken word to opera—is deeply rooted in themes such as social justice, community, spirituality, and reconciliation. As a performer, he is also widely recognized, having appeared in the HBO adaptation of Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates.

Moderator: Rokhaya Seck

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