In the theatre evening Chaos in de Westerse wereld, historian Beatrice de Graaf convincingly shows how the present seems oppressive compared to earlier times, yet also differs from it in reassuring ways. How can we use our knowledge of the past to recognise latent dangers to the democratic legal order, or to put our fears into perspective?

Using original connections and sharp analyses, Beatrice takes you on a journey through the turning points of democracy. From the dark years of the 1930s to the early 19th century, Beatrice teaches you to look at the present differently by looking at the past. Chaos in de Westerse wereld is a history lesson for anyone who wants to know how we can protect democracy in our own time.

Beatrice de Graaf is a historian and professor of Humanities at the University of Utrecht.
 

• theatre production Haagsch College, made possible in part by Historisch Nieuwsblad.