“An artist can say anything on stage, as long as their intentions are right”

On 20 September, the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) will gather at Brussels’ Koninklijk Circus for the Feest van de Vrije Geest, or Celebration of the Free Spirit. This event marks the opening of the new academic year and celebrates the values that the university steadfastly upholds: critical thinking, freedom of speech, the right to self-determination, solidarity and connectedness. As part of the evening programme, six renowned guest speakers will share what the concept of freedom means to them, through a short speech or performance. Among them is Dena Vahdani, a Brussels-based comedian with Iranian roots. She made waves on quiz show De Slimste Mens and performs in Dutch, French and English.

What does a free spirit mean to you?

“Not feeling any boundaries. Professionally, that means freelancing in the arts. A full-time nine-to-five job with a boss telling me what to do? My brain just doesn’t work that way. It also means my life in Belgium, where I can perform solo as a woman and say what I want. It’s a privilege I’m very aware of.”

Who do you consider a role model in terms of free speech?

“Women in Iran. Despite difficult circumstances, they find ways to express their freedom, like going out in public without a headscarf. It’s incredibly brave because the consequences can be severe. Another constant source of inspiration is Rosalía, the best singer-songwriter of her generation.”

“I consider myself very tolerant. Sometimes too tolerant."

Did your background hinder or encourage you to think critically and express yourself freely?

“Freedom has always been the driving force in my mother’s life. That’s why my parents left Iran. When I told them at home that I was a lesbian or that I wanted to study art, my mum was a bit surprised, like any parent. But she wasn’t negative. She quickly accepted it. She said, ‘I came to Belgium to feel free, so I want you to feel free as well.’”

Have you ever censored yourself or felt pressured not to express certain things?

“Criticising the Iranian state openly is delicate, so I don’t do it. A Belgian comedian complaining about the Belgian state has nothing to fear. They risk absolutely nothing.”

Should we be able to say anything, or are there limits to freedom?

“An artist can say anything on stage, as long as their intentions are right. If you know a statement will hurt, provoke or shock, perhaps you should phrase it differently. Or ask yourself why you want to make that statement.”

How tolerant are you yourself? Would you ‘cancel’ someone?

“I consider myself very tolerant. Sometimes too tolerant. My next show will be about that. When people say something racist or sexist, I tend to play devil’s advocate. I try to put myself in their shoes and wonder why they feel wronged or bitter. It helps me avoid getting angry myself.”