In this theatre lecture, Bas Erlings shows where that feeling comes from. As a former campaign strategist, he knows how political narratives are constructed and how emotions play a leading role in them. He shows you how fear works as the driving force behind populism and why that message sticks so easily.

You discover how leaders such as Trump, Wilders and Orbán tap into our deepest human instincts. As a former campaign strategist in Dutch politics, he knows how political stories are built – and why they work.

Bas dissects step by step the mechanism behind populism. At the same time, he poses a provocative question: where does the Netherlands actually stand in an increasingly populist world?

Geef mij nu je angst is a sharp, accessible and sometimes confrontational theatre lecture that helps you better understand what is happening around us. You leave the auditorium with something different from what you came in with. With more insight, sharper awareness and above all more control.

About Bas Erlings
Bas Erlings is a campaign strategist, author and a sharp interpreter of politics and human behaviour. For years he was at the foundation of the VVD’s election campaigns under the leadership of Mark Rutte, where he focused intensively on voter psychology, framing and political strategy.

Today he is co‑owner of the strategic consultancy Sue & The Alchemists, which advises organisations, CEOs and international campaigns. Together with Klaas Dijkhoff, he also founded the action group Voor Ons Nederland.

Bas is a frequently requested commentator on talk shows, radio and in newspapers. His book Het spel van de populist became a bestseller; a new book, together with Klaas Dijkhoff, will be published soon.