On May 5 De Tafel van Oost arrived in the heart of Oosterpark—a grand theatrical experience as part of the Freedom Meal. This special event was organized by BIZ Oosterpark, in collaboration with various local partners. It was a celebration of freedom and community, created especially for and by the neighborhood.
The afternoon was filled with inspiring conversations about freedom, impressive performances, and a rich variety of culture and music. Visitors enjoyed speakers such as Job Cohen, Carolien de Heer, Hubert Smeets, Ivette Forster, and Pieter Hilhorst, as well as the special contributions of De Kids van Amsterdam, Babeth Fonchie Fotchind, Willem Dieleman, Oosterpark Picknick Concerts, and Plein Theater – who delivered the amazing acts of the Pretvormers and the performance by Theater na De Dam Jong. The delicious Freedom Soup was prepared by the students of Hotelschool The Haguefrom their food truck, Streats. The movie night in Hotel Arena was a beautiful finale to the day.
The atmosphere could only be described as warm and connecting. With the many seats along the long table, the event provided a unique opportunity for neighborhood residents to come together, learn from one another, and reflect on freedom in all its forms.
The program was received with great enthusiasm, and we received an incredible number of positive responses. Not only were neighborhood residents well represented, but Amsterdam East District, the Friends of Oosterpark, the Metis Montessori Lyceum, and even the Oost fire brigade were also present.
We could not have created De Tafel van Oost without the stage of Firma Traktor and all the support from Terts Brinkhoff and his team, with Guido Spek and Yorick Heerkens as presenters, and music provided by the Poortwachters van Oost. We also want to thank the Amsterdam May 4 and 5 Committee, VFonds, Amsterdam East District, and the Plein Theater thank for their contributions and exceptional collaboration.
We look back on this first edition with pride and gratitude. Thanks to the efforts of everyone involved, the De Tafel van Oost It has grown into a special moment of connection. Together with everyone involved, we not only created something beautiful but also showed what is possible when a neighborhood comes together.
