Literature

**Soirée débat — Cuba : l’échec du communisme ? Aux radical-chic européens ne reste-t-il que la Corée du Nord ?** Cette semaine, notre discussion porte sur Cuba. Depuis la révolution de 1959, l’île est gouvernée par une dictature communiste. Pendant des décennies, Cuba a survécu grâce au soutien économique de puissances alliées, d’abord l’Union soviétique, puis le Venezuela, l'Iran, la Chine. Aujourd’hui, l’économie cubaine traverse une crise profonde : pénuries alimentaires, coupures d’électricité, inflation, migration massive et dépendance énergétique. La fin du soutien pétrolier vénézuélien ont accentué une situation déjà dramatique. Dans le débat public occidental, Cuba est souvent présentée à travers des récits simplifiés : – soit comme un symbole romantique de résistance révolutionnaire – soit comme un exemple caricatural d’échec politique Notre objectif n’est pas de répéter ces récits. Notre objectif est de comprendre. *** ### **Topics We Cover** Nous analyserons la situation cubaine à travers plusieurs angles : **1\. Le système politique cubain** Comment un régime communiste à parti unique a-t-il maintenu le pouvoir pendant plus de six décennies ? **2\. L’économie cubaine et ses limites** Pourquoi l’économie planifiée cubaine produit-elle pénuries chroniques, dépendance énergétique et faible croissance ? **3\. Les sanctions américaines** Quel est l’impact réel de l’embargo américain ? Affaiblit-il le régime ou renforce-t-il sa légitimité politique ? **4\. La fin du soutien vénézuélien** Quel rôle le pétrole subventionné du Venezuela a-t-il joué dans la survie du modèle cubain — et que se passe-t-il lorsque ce soutien disparaît ? **5\. L’avenir de Cuba** Transition politique, réforme économique progressive ou stagnation durable ? *** ### **What Makes This Different** – Nous privilégions les témoignages de personnes originaires ou connaissant directement la région – Nous examinons ce que les médias simplifient ou ignorent – Nous encourageons les désaccords argumentés et les perspectives contradictoires – Nous analysons les intérêts, les rapports de force et les réalités économiques — pas les slogans Ce n’est pas un espace de propagande. C’est un espace de réflexion. *** ### **Why This Forum Exists** À Bruxelles, plusieurs initiatives proposent des débats structurés. Trop souvent, cependant, un petit cercle détermine les propositions et limite la diversité réelle des conclusions possibles. Il existe aussi des espaces où la géopolitique se réduit à des slogans anti-américains ou à des indignations partisanes. Ce forum n’est ni l’un ni l’autre. Nous accueillons une véritable diversité d’opinions et d’expériences. Personne ici ne sera exclu pour avoir remis en question un récit dominant. Les idées se confrontent librement. Les attaques personnelles ne sont pas tolérées. *** ### **Motions & Proposals Welcome** Nous encourageons les participants à proposer des motions de débat. Une motion doit être formulée avec sérieux : – une thèse claire – un minimum de contexte historique ou juridique – une compréhension des enjeux géopolitiques Les propositions destinées à stimuler la réflexion sont bienvenues. Les slogans et provocations faciles ne le sont pas. *** ### **Languages** La langue dépendra des participants présents. Les débats se déroulent généralement en anglais et en français, mais nous pouvons accueillir d’autres langues lorsque cela est possible. Langues actuellement possibles : – English – Français – Nederlands – Español – Italiano – Русский – Farsi L’objectif est la compréhension, pas la pureté linguistique. *** ### **What We Ask of Participants** – Venez pour comprendre, pas pour “gagner” un débat – Soyez ouverts à des perspectives qui contredisent les vôtres – Parlez avec des faits, du contexte et de l’histoire – Si vous proposez un sujet, venez préparé – Critiquez les idées, jamais les personnes – Pas de censure des opinions – Pas d’attaques personnelles – Pas de diffamation Le désaccord est normal. La paresse intellectuelle ne l’est pas. *** ### **This is not a dating meetup** Tous les espaces sociaux ne sont pas destinés à flirter ou à chercher des opportunités romantiques. Si vous considérez ce forum comme un terrain de drague ou que vous faites des avances non désirées, vous n’avez pas compris le but de ce groupe. La conversation vient d’abord. Les idées viennent d’abord. Le respect vient d’abord. *** ### **Location & RSVP** L’événement aura lieu à Ixelles, dans un bar public. Pour préserver la qualité et la sécurité de la discussion, le lieu exact est communiqué uniquement aux participants confirmés via notre groupe WhatsApp. 👉 Pour RSVP et recevoir le lieu : https://chat.whatsapp.com/LX7UkWGZ3UdLQWLBvNdezN L’objectif n’est pas l’exclusivité. L’objectif est une discussion sérieuse entre personnes capables de réfléchir librement. The goal is not exclusivity, but accountability and quality of discussion. If this format doesn’t suit you, this event may not be the right fit.

Looking for a casual after-work activity to meet other internationals (and locals) in Leuven? Our volunteer Reinier will be there to welcome you for an evening of great conversation and delicious Belgian beer (or another drink of your choosing). Let us know you are joining via Meetup. This way we can easily contact you, via the Meetup chat, in case there are any changes. The location will be indicated in the event details once decided! :)

[EN] Discover “Babel Games”, the multilingual improv theatre show that pushes the limits of language on stage! In this show, games and improvisation constraints will test the creativity and linguistic agility of our actors. Mixing French, English, Dutch, Spanish and other languages, “Babel Games” is an experience where gestures, emotions and shared energy speak as loudly as languages. Whether you are multilingual or simply curious to see how improvisation can transcend language barriers, “Babel Games” promises an unforgettable evening full of surprises and human connections. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- [FR] Découvrez "Babel Games", le spectacle d'improvisation théâtrale multilingue qui repousse les limites du langage sur scène ! Dans ce spectacle, des jeux et contraintes d’improvisation vont tester la créativité et l'agilité linguistique de nos comédiens. Mélangeant le français, l’anglais, le néerlandais, l’espagnol et encore d’autres langues, « Babel Games » est une expérience où les gestes, les émotions et l'énergie partagée parlent aussi fort que les langues. Que vous soyez polyglotte ou simplement curieux de voir comment l’improvisation peut transcender les barrières linguistiques, "Babel Games" promet une soirée inoubliable pleine de surprises et de connexions humaines. Cast: Gilles Delvaulx, Peggy Pexy Green, Khalid Benaouisse, Laurie Andrieu Directed by: Laurie Andrieu 📍Where? Où ? [L'Amère à boire Saint-Gilles, Av. Paul Dejaer 20, 1060 Saint-Gilles ](https://lamereaboire.com/fr/) 🏷 Price? Prix? \- Price: 15 euros / Prix: 15 euros \- Price students/unemployed/artists: 13 euros Prix étudiants/sans-emploi/artistes: 13 euros Reserve your spot **[HERE](https://www.billetweb.fr/babel-games)** ***✨Payment on site in cash / Paiement sur place en espèces✨*** Doors open at 19:30 The Show is organised by **[Atlas, impros du monde - Bruxelles](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555684306970)**[ ](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555684306970)

A relaxed afterwork aperitivo for women who want to talk honestly about dating, standards, and how to recognize quality men without wasting time. Hosted by **Alis**, a Thai woman living in Brussels, together with her boyfriend, bringing both female and male perspectives into the conversation. No clichés, no fairy tales. Real dynamics, real experiences, real strategies. ## **FORMAT** * Small, curated group * Open discussion with structured topics * Female perspective (Alis) + male perspective (her partner) * Honest, direct feedback ## **RULES** * Zero tolerance for disrespect, pressure, or inappropriate behavior * No recording, no screenshots * Discretion is expected * The host reserves the right to refuse participation *** ## **EXPECTATION** If you’re here to play games or seek validation, this is not for you. If you want clarity, honesty, and better outcomes, you’ll get value.

Socializing and Networking 🛜🆕 at PLUX on Thursday. Making new friends and drinking 🚰🎈🎉🚿🌊. Everybody Welocme, locals, expats or new 🆕 in town.

EN (FR en bas): We're still accepting people in our classes. Join us!​ -step 1: Book here! -> [https://www.danceproject.be/reservations.html](https://www.danceproject.be/reservations.html) -step 2: Show up! Schedule: [Monday to Thursday](https://www.danceproject.be/classes.html#schedule) Fees : [All info on trials, packs, subscriptions here](https://www.danceproject.be/classes.html#fees) Locations: -Rue Brialmont 7, Brussels Metro/Tram: Botanique Salsa, Bachata, Lindy Hop, Forró Intro - 1: From base to the dancefloor! When you come for the first time we go over the base & rhythm with you. Then you are included in the group and everybody learns the same new steps for which you just need the base. Practice makes perfect: just relax and enjoy Salsa, Bachata, Lindy Hop and/or Forró! Our group is very welcoming and looking forward to meet new dancers! Salsa, Bachata, Lindy Hop, Forró Roots I - 2: Ready to go deeper on Salsa, Bachata, Lindy Hop &/or Forró? Let's go! [https://www.danceproject.be/classes.html#improvers](https://www.danceproject.be/classes.html#improvers) Salsa, Forró Roots II - 3: Looking for #SalsaChallenge? Already familiar with Forró Root? We've got your back! [https://www.danceproject.be/classes.html#intermediates](https://www.danceproject.be/classes.html#intermediates) More info: -Web: [https://www.danceproject.be](https://www.danceproject.be) -Whatsapp: +32 493 16 41 10 -Mail: brussels.salsa.project@gmail.com -[Facebook](https://facebook.com/brussels.salsa.project) -[Instagram](https://instagram.com/brussels.salsa.project) \-\-\-\-\- FR: Nous acceptons encore de nouvelles personnes dans nos cours. Rejoins-nous ! -1ère pas : Fait ta réservation ! -> [https://www.danceproject.be/reservation.html](https://www.danceproject.be/reservation.html) -2ème pas : Vient danser ! Horaire : [lundi à jeudi](https://www.danceproject.be/cours.html#horaire) Les prix : [Toutes les infos sur les essais, packs, abonnements ici](https://www.danceproject.be/cours.html#prix) Endroits : -Rue Brialmont 7, Bruxelles Metro/Tram: Botanique Salsa, Bachata, Lindy Hop, Forró Intro - 1 : De la base à la piste de danse ! Lorsque tu nous rejoins on voit la base et le rythme avec toi. Ensuite, tu es inclus dans le groupe et tout le monde apprend les mêmes pas pour lesquelles tu as juste besoin de la base. C'est en forgeant qu'on devient forgeron : détend-toi et profite la Salsa, de la Bachata, du Lindy Hop et/ou du Forró ! Notre groupe est très accueillant et a hâte de rencontrer de nouveaux danseurs ! Salsa, Bachata, Lindy Hop, Forró Roots I - 2 : Prêt à approfondir la Salsa, la Bachata, le Lindy Hop &/ou le Forró ? Allons-y! [https://www.danceproject.be/cours.html#inities](https://www.danceproject.be/cours.html#inities) Salsa, Forró Roots II - 3 : Tu cherches #DefiSalsa ? Tu connais déjà Forró Roots ? Nous sommes là pour toi ! [https://www.danceproject.be/cours.html#intermediaires](https://www.danceproject.be/cours.html#intermediaires) Plus d’info: -Web: [https://www.danceproject.be/fr.html](https://www.danceproject.be/fr.html) -Whatsapp: +32 493 16 41 10 -Mail: brussels.salsa.project@gmail.com -[Facebook](https://facebook.com/brussels.salsa.project) -[Instagram](https://instagram.com/brussels.salsa.project)

[Queen Marie-Antoinette](https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/443206/queen-marie-antoinette) A game of strategy and influence at the court of Versailles Step into the intrigues of the royal court! In Queen Marie-Antoinette, you play as ambitious courtesans vying for favor in the opulent court of Louis XVI. Recruit influential characters from five distinct factions (Favorites, Merchants, Military, Clergy, Aristocrats), fulfill secret Plots, and adapt to the Queen’s ever-changing demands to earn influence points. The Queen’s Requirements and shifting Conditions will disrupt your plans and force you to rethink your strategy each turn. Only the most cunning courtier will rise to the top. Core Mechanics: Hand management: Play character cards to manipulate the court in your favor. Objective completion: Combine characters to fulfill Plots and score. Dynamic scoring: The Queen’s shifting preferences give bonuses to specific factions. High player interaction: Tactics and timing are key to outmaneuvering opponents. Why you'll love it: Easy to learn rules with surprising strategic depth. A richly illustrated immersive theme based on historical intrigue. Fast and fluid gameplay, ideal for 2 to 4 players. High replayability thanks to modular setup and evolving conditions each game. Queen Marie-Antoinette is designed by Julien Griffon, illustrated by Alice Piernet, and published by Oka Luda. It blends historical charm with accessible yet clever gameplay in a game of courtly ambition and subtle tactics.

Hello, readers ! In March we are reading On The Calculation Of Volume by Solvej Balle. Please note that several volumes in this series have been published so far, but for this meeting we will just discuss Volume 1 (although you're welcome to read the others too if you want, of course). ***Please note our new venue - Maison de Quartier Malibran, Rue de la Digue 10, 1050 Ixelles - and our new start time of 11am.*** **Please keep your RSVP up to date** and happy reading!

Hey lovely people, Join us for another gathering of the **Queer Reads Collective**. This session will focus on literature from South America, with **Camila Sosa Villada's "Bad Girls"** (sometimes translated as "The Queens of Sarmiento Park"). This novel follows a young trans woman in Cordoba, Argentina, who finds belonging among a fierce, complicated community of trans sex workers who gather in Sarmiento Park. It moves between magical and brutal realism, with moments of tenderness and joy, showing both the violence they face and the deep love and chosen family they build. It’s raw, funny at times, and intense.

We'll be discussing the book “The Emperor of Gladness” by Ocean Vuong and choosing the next book.

Let's meet to write ! Schedule : 11:00 - 11:30 am : Presentation tour. Share briefly with the group about your project and your "goal of the day". 11:30 - 13:30 : Let's write ! 13:30 : Conclusion tour. Did you achieve your goal of the day ? See you soon !

Spend time in the company of other writers putting pen to paper, or fingers to keyboard. Work on your current project or start something new. If you are fresh out of inspiration a member of the Wordcraft Collective will be ready with a prompt to get you going. You can use that to unlock your creative brain before moving back to your own project or run with it. Who knows where the story will take you? Arrive when you like, leave when you like, or join us for a drink in the bar downstairs afterwards. Location: Pianofabriek, Rue du Fort 35, 1060 Saint-Gilles.

## Beauty and Ugliness in the Renaissance Beauty and ugliness have always fascinated people, yet their meanings shift over time. *Bellezza e Bruttezza* explores how artists from Italy and Northern Europe in the 15th and 16th centuries depicted these extremes, from refined ideals to deliberate grotesques. A rare opportunity to see extraordinary works, some appearing in Belgium for the first and only time. The exhibition traces how the standards of beauty and ugliness evolved from the last quarter of the 15th century to the end of the 16th century—key transitional periods—by juxtaposing in a rich and compelling confrontation the ways in which these two subjects were interpreted by the greatest Italian artists and their counterparts from Northern Europe. Beauty became an increasingly important social concern at this time, as shown by the rising number of 16th-century publications offering “recipes for looking beautiful” and advice on cosmetics and care. Meanwhile, ugliness also grew in prominence in art, appearing in a widening range of forms throughout the same period. Discover remarkable works by renowned artists such as **Botticelli**, **Titian**, **Tintoretto**, **Leonardo da Vinci​​​​​​​, Michelangelo,** **Cranach the Elder**, **Massys**, and many others. After the event: drinks for those who want to keep the conversation going 🍷✨ \>Please sign up only if you plan to join; this will prevent us from waiting for you\. Thank you ;\) Ticket: it's safer to buy your ticket in advance. Ticket price: -If you have the Museum Pass/ICOMBrussels card: one free entry per day to one of a selection of exhibitions -standard price = 18€ -<26 = 13€ **Location:** **Train** The Centre of Fine Arts is close to the Brussels Central Train Station. It's just a 5 minutes walk. Find more informations on NMBS. **Metro** Metrostations Central Station and Park (line 1 and 5). **Tram** Tram lines 92 en 93 stop at the Palais / Paleizen tram station. **Bus** Several bus lines (27 - 29 - 34 - 38 - 63 - 65 - 66 - 71 - 71N - 95) stop at the Bozar bus station.

THIS SATURDAY 21.03 – BRUSSELS MAIN EVENT **The INTERNATIONAL PARTY \[OLD SCHOOL MUSIC 80s 90s 2000s\] \| Saturday 21\.03 \| JUST A NIGHT x CACTUS** \> Skip the line & Garanty Pass : [https://www.partyfinder.com/en/event/15591](https://www.partyfinder.com/en/event/15591) \> Facebook : [https://fb.me/e/aRpShNlLA](https://fb.me/e/aRpShNlLA) 🔥 THE INTERNATIONAL PARTY @ CACTUS CLUB 🔥 JUST A NIGHT goes to CACTUS CLUB 📅 Saturday – 21 March 2026 ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ 📍 Cactus Club – Brussels ✨OLD SCHOOL PARTY 80s 90s 2000s ✨ Get ready for an unforgettable summer night in one of Brussels’ most iconic party spots! 🌴 SPRING VIBES – INTERNATIONAL CROWD – BAR DANCING 🎧 Music by: G-FROY + Special Guests ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ 🌍 INTERNATIONAL PARTY CONCEPT The Just A Night label is one of the most iconic and mobile party concepts in Brussels, created by nightlife lovers who have been energizing the city for more than 10 years. Expect a cosmopolitan atmosphere where you’ll meet: ✨ Belgian & international artists ✨ DJs & nightlife personalities ✨ Models & influencers ✨ Entrepreneurs & expats ✨ Party lovers from all over the world A place where Brussels’ nightlife meets international vibes. ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ 🎉 WHAT TO EXPECT 🔥 Incredible summer atmosphere 💃 Bar dancing 🌎 International crowd 🎶 Top DJs & party music 🍹 Amazing venue & summer vibes Life is a Party – Join Us! ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ 👗 DRESS CODE Ladies: Jeans shorts, boots, summer flowers… or simply Be Yourself! Gents: Jeans & stylish shirt Dress to impress. ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ ⏰ DOORS OPEN 🕥 10:30 PM Be ready for a wild, crazy and unforgettable party night. ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ 🍾 TABLE BOOKINGS 📧 info@justanight.net 📞 +32 478 58 60 39 🚗 Free parking all night 🚇 Easy access by bus, metro, taxi & Uber 🔥 COME DANCE – JOIN US – BRING FRIENDS – SPREAD THE WORD ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ #SpringbreakParty #InternationalParty #JustANight #CactusClub #PartyInBrussels 📍 LOCATION Cactus Club - Boulevard du Souverain 147 1160 Auderghem – Brussels

We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Saturday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 10AM on Saturday mornings. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 10:00 - SESSION 1: quick intros. 10:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 11:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 11A-11:30ish. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. (I’ll be the person with the Shut Up & Write! sign.) If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Saturday!

Join us as we get together for an Arthouse Movie Friday event to see the A24 dark comedy /romance / psychological-thriller, THE DRAMA! The film stars Zendaya and Robert Pattinson as a happily engaged couple whose relationship is challenged when one discovers unsettling truths about the other. Here are details, a trailer and our plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: The film follows a happily engaged couple whose relationship is put to the test when an unexpected turn sends their wedding week off the rails. The film comes from A24, is written/directed by Kristoffer Borgli stars Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Mamoudou Athie, Alana Haim, Hailey Gates and Zoë Winters. QUICK WORD OF WARNING: The film hasn’t screened for critics yet and most of the details are being kept tightly under wraps. But, early buzz (possibly promotional) says the film is a brilliant psychological thriller/romance but also provocative, twisty and some contains occasional uncomfortable viewing! I love the cast and trailer, so look forward to seeing for ourselves! ZENDAYA-PATTINSON TRIFECTA CHALLENGE: Robert Pattinson and Zendaya will star in THREE movies together this year, including THE DRAMA, Christopher Nolan’s THE ODYSSEY this Summer and Denis Villeneuve’s DUNE: PART THREE at Christmas! TRAILER: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zmKcUa4Xxk](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zmKcUa4Xxk) PLAN: We’ll plan for 7pm-ish showing and will meet in the lobby area about 30 minutes before showtime! Advance ticket purchase not required for this theater but early arrival is advised. Possibly post-movie get-together at the nearby Rusty Bucket! Complete details will be confirmed/announced as the date gets closer. Take care and look forward to seeing you there, Dan

Join the CONNECTED Westerville Mastermind Group for a dynamic afternoon of B2B networking! This event is perfect for professionals looking to expand their business connections, share insights, and foster collaboration within the community. Whether you are a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this event offers a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas, build relationships, and grow your network in a supportive environment. Connect with like-minded individuals, explore potential partnerships, and discover new opportunities for professional growth. Don't miss out on this chance to enhance your business network and take your career to the next level with CONNECTED Westerville Mastermind Group! We meet the 4th Monday of every month from 11am-1pm. Welcome and general networking from 11am - 11:30am with core meeting 11;30 - 12:30 and a final round of networking from 12:30 - 1pm.

Join us for our March Book Club gathering where we will come together to discuss *The Manor of Dreams* by Christina Li in a safe and welcoming environment. Make new friends who share your passion for books and connect with fellow LGBTQ book enthusiasts.

So this month's prompt is more general. I think we can all agree that we are living in "unique" times that require coping skills. I think that one role and/or purpose of philosophy is to help us deal with our daily lives and our "unique" times. So, let's share our feelings and thoughts about which philosopher/philosophy we turn to in order to deal with our crazy events. Who/what helps you stay focused in your daily life and helps you sleep at night. I find that Stoicism with a little philosophical pessimism mixed in goes a long way in helping me deal with what I see as very destructive, fearful and mean spirited public policies at both the state and federal levels. Hope to see you on March 28th!