Gather round in the cosy room to listen to stories told by Mezrabs founder Sahand Sahebdivani, accompanied with mum’s homemade soup and beers sold by his brother. This family run business is different from most places to go on a Friday night. For 10 years it has been the place where people come together for the Ancient Art of storytelling. “The good old days of storytelling are getting lost, we forget how nice it is listen to someone telling a story”. Marcel reminds us, with a warm smile on his face.
Sahand grew up in the culture of singing, storytelling and good food and this is clear in how Mezrab is run. Although Sahand is the main host, there is free openness that allows anyone to tell a story, you might even hear his dad tell one in Persian. It is so popular that it is bursting at the seams. Mezrab is forever growing, with storytelling courses, exhibitions and art events. It is almost the Netherlands largest storytelling centre but still maintaining the warm vibe and family feel.
Almost all stories are told in English, unless the agenda states otherwise, from Thursday to Sunday there is a range of story genres and other events. Entrance is free but donations are welcome
Who’s Marcel?
Marcel is our well known receptionist, with a heart of gold and a head of culture. Everyone loves Marcel, it’s hard not to. He’s been with us since the beginning of time, welcoming guests and colleagues with open arms.
He has a weird tick where he competes with himself to see what he can achieve in 10 seconds, like walking up the stairs, going to the toilet… “but not sex, then I don’t think about it” he states with a smirk on his face. Marcel also has quite the talent for music, check out his band http://pistolerosdelapaz.org/
Mezrab
Wilhelmina Pakhuis
Veemkade 572d
1019 BL Amsterdam
http://mezrab.nl/
How to get there from Volkshotel
Take the Metro from Wibautstraat (direction Central Station) get off at Central Station. Take the Tram 26 (towards IJburg) get off at Kattenburgerstraat, then walk to Café Pakhuis Wilhelmina (about 6 minutes)
