Saint Amour

For three decades, Saint Amour has been a fixture in the month of Valentine's Day, with love as the central guest, appearing on stage in different ways. Who else but writers know how to sing the praises of love in all its forms?

“A natural outlet for groundwater at the surface of the earth.” That is the literal definition of “source”. Figuratively speaking, the word equates to a point of origin, a beginning. A place to return to, but also a place that continues to give, inspire and be meaningful. In both cases, it is about something that is real, because it is demonstrable, authentic and, in that sense, reassuring. These are words that effortlessly apply to love: how it arises, comes to the surface, inspires and gives meaning to our lives.

For the new edition of Saint Amour, Behoud de Begeerte's beloved programme, we welcome several generations of writers. It is no coincidence that a number of them are also poets, capable of capturing our human feelings in eloquent lines. Stefan Hertmans, Charlotte Van den Broeck, Peter Verhelst and Jeroen Olyslaegers will read from their own work and will be joined by two international guests: Claire-Louise Bennett and Marijke Schermer. Charlotte Remarque will present. Sam Gysel, musician and composer, will provide the live instrumental music.