In 2019, Ramsey Nasr was asked by Heleen to co-create a thematic poem about taboo topics such as vulnerability, intimacy and gender inequality in women’s care.
Ramsey wrote the poem after their many conversations together, Ramsey’s period of literature research, Heleen discussions together with a number of patients and gynaecological care professionals. The final verse cycle, titled ‘Man- unless otherwise indicated’ (2022) and contains five verses with the following themes: 1. gender, 2. language, 3. urination, 4. shame, 5. creation.
The verse cycle contains many intertextual and intercultural references. Scientific publications and population statistics are also woven into the verses; for example, reference is made to the book ‘Invisible Woman: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men’ by Caroline Criado Perez (2019). In 2023, David Colmer translated the verse cycle into English in “Male- unless otherwise indicated”.
Ramsey Nasr is a poet, writer, actor, director and connoisseur of classical music. After retiring as Poet Laureate in 2013, he returned to the theatre, his other great love. He joined the ensemble of Internationaal Theater Amsterdam (ITA). In 2015, Ramsey received the Louis d’Or, the highest Dutch theatre award, for his leading role in The Fountainhead. 2019 had two highlights, the role of Jude in A Little Life based on the famous novel by Hanya Yanagihara, and the role of Thomas Mann in Death in Venice, based on the novella by Mann that Ramsey adapted for the stage. For the role of Jude in A Little Life, Ramsey received the Louis d’Or again in 2019. In addition to his work as an actor in the theater, Ramsey is also frequently seen on television. He played leading roles in, among others, Overspel, Oogappels and the four-part series I.M., in the role of Ischa Meijer. For this role, Ramsey was awarded a Golden Calf for Best Actor in TV Drama in 2020. In 2021, Ramsey’s collection of essays De Fundamenten (The Foundations) was published. The collection in which he takes stock of a country in Corona time, and within a few days secures a place in the top two best-selling books and is ready for its 8th printing.
