On the 7th of October 2010, five Dutch professionals living in New York will talk to Dutch writer Arnon Grunberg (photo), working and living in New York as well, about their life abroad and their experience of identity and nationality. 

The Story of the Netherlands is a reaction to the NY400 celebrations in New York in 2009 and the recent political developments in the Netherlands. 

What are the topics and images that we identify with and that we are longing for? Answers to these questions will be searched for by

·          Michiel Vos, journalist and HBO filmmaker with both Dutch and American nationality

·          Pascale Gatzen, fashion designer who guides her own program ‘Integrated Design’ at Parsons The New School for Design

·          Boris Kwantes, head of ABN AMRO bank operations in the United States

·          Heleen Mees, economist and columnist, writing for international magazines and the Dutch newspaper NRC Handelsblad

·          Christiaan Houtenbos, New York rebel star and top hairstylist since the 80's. 

You can submit your question for the New York Talk Show here. These questions have already been raised: 

·          Why are all democracies in shambles today?

·          Could I ever again live in Holland?

·          Who’s still reading newspapers in five years?

October 7, 2010, 7 pm, Witzenhausen Gallery, New York, 547 West 27^th street - Suite 508. Admission $10. The Story of the Netherlands is supported by Witzenhausen Gallery, Going Dutch Foundation. and the Netherlands Consulate General New York.