Words matter. Especially in the world of Frank van Pamelen. Writer and poet. Columnist and comedian. But above all word artist. On NPO Radio 1, in podcasts and publications, in more and more theaters, on every possible stage, he plays a game with language. He surprises with forms. He tilts your view. And that while policy makers and opinion makers do the same. But to manipulate power, media and people.
In ‘Hebba Nolla,’ Frank files this phenomenon. He pierces through claptrap. With cryptic twists and quirky logic. Inventive songs and powerpoint poetry. About sense and nonsense. Truths and half-truths. And made-up truths, which seem to breathe ever panting zeitgeist. Frank makes connections and knots points. Places question marks and exclamation points. Everything he rhymes and glues together. In virtuoso fashion, he weaves a web of words. Which in the end matter tremendously.
About Frank van Pamelen:
Frank van Pamelen has won the Kees Stipprijs for his light verse oeuvre and the audience award at the Amsterdam Kleinkunst Festival, has a current language column on NPO Radio 1 and organizes the national LichteGedichtenDag (Light Poems Day) every year.
‘Hebba Nolla’ (a playful reference to one of the oldest phrases in the Dutch language) is a multimedia project with, from the end of August 2025, a weekly podcast centered around the Alphabet and, in the fall, a cheerful language book and a high-profile cabaret program.
The press about Frank van Pamelen:
"Excels in language virtuosity" (Wed.)
"Magic with language like Johan Cruijff could with the ball" (AD)
Website: www.frankvanpamelen.nl
