The Playing Human

Homo Ludens is a book written exactly 80 years ago by Dutch historian and cultural theorist Johan Huizinga. It discusses the importance of the play element of culture and society. Huizinga suggests that play is a necessary condition of human culture. He identifies five characteristics of play:

1. It is free
2. It is not “ordinary” or “real” life
3. It is distinct from “ordinary” life
4. It creates order
5. It is connected with no material interest
6. From it no profit can be gained

Documentary by Sanne Rovers (30 min)
Homo Ludens

Dressing up as a Viking for the weekend or racing through mud pools: some people lose themselves in these games while others find it a curious way of passing the time. In Homo Ludens you will meet these daredevils, free spirits and hobbyists. What drives the playing human?

Lecture (30 min)
All Work and No Play: Understanding the Playful Brain
Prof. Louk Vanderschuren
Professor of Behavioural Neuroscience, Utrecht University

The young of many mammalian species, including humans, display a characteristic form of social interaction known as social play behaviour. Social play is rewarding and important for brain development. Professor Vanderschuren will discuss the brain mechanisms underlying play behaviour, and its role in social, emotional and cognitive development.

In cooperation with Lumière Cinema