Building bridges beyond human isolation

People need to see and meet with each other. Human interaction and exchange is what our life is all about. Frequently, Francis Laleman and Michaela Broeckx open the doors of Bayt al-Andalus to the public, offering a varied set of events.
On this page you can get a preview of what's on. And of course, we have loads of plans and projects. If you would like us to keep you informed, please send us an email: flaleman@zensearch.com or mbroeckx@naharnet.com.

If you want inspiration, you could sit back and watch this photographic impression of previous events at Bayt al-Andalus.

June 17, 2010 – Management Workshop - Sun Tzu (The Art of War), or: an Ancient Chinese Model for Effective Corporate Leadership  
  
In this retake of a Dunya 2009 seminar, Francis Laleman and Eddy Van Hemelrijck introduce managers and HR people to the ancient Chinese master Sun Tzu (The Art of War), and venture to discover what modern managers can learn from him. This in-house open seminar is organised by Dunya.  For more details, see the Dunya Sun-Tzu Seminar file. 

June 16, 2010 – Management Workshop - Kautilya’s Neeti-Shastra, The Art of Leadership  
  
In this retake of a Dunya 2009 seminar, Francis Laleman introduces managers and HR people to the ancient Indian Neeti-Shahstra (The Art of Leadership), based on the Leadership models of Manu and Chanakya/Kautilya. Recently, international attention for Kautilya’s work has been revived by the authority of Amartya Sen, Nobel Prize winner for Economics, in latest classic The Idea of Justice (2009). This in-house open seminar is organised by Dunya. For more details, see the Dunya Neeti-Shastra Seminar file. 

June 12, 2010 – A Story-telling Afternoon - The Adventures of Feluda 
  
Satyajit Ray (1921-1992) is not only remembered and India’s most memorable film maker of the 20th century, but als as the author of a series of children books, most notably around the central character of private detective Feluda and his clever little nephew Topshe. This afternoon, Francis Laleman becomes Feluda, taking his audience through three of Stayajit Ray’s Bengal mysteries at once. The event, which takes place on several location in and around Bayt al-Andalus, including the street, the square and the park, is for children between 5 and 85 years old. Children under 14 come free of charge.  The Feluda Afternoon is part of the 2010 Bengal Spring Series at Bayt al-Andalus. For program details (in Dutch) and subscription, see Een Bengaalse Lente. 

June 11, 2010 – Film Screening – Rituparno Ghosh: Raincoat  (2004)  
  
In Raincoat, Rituparno Ghosh has brilliantly merged aspects of the old-Indian saga of Krishna and Radha with a retelling of the celebrated novel The Gift of the Magi by the American novelist O. Henry. During an apocalyptic monsoon rainstorm, two ex-lovers meet for the first time after many years. Both wish the other to believe how happy and successful he/she now is. But nothing really is what it seems... The film is brillantly shot, with a stunning soundtrack by Subdha Mudghal.  This film screening, introduced by Francis Laleman, is part of the 2010 Bengal Spring Series at Bayt al-Andalus. Depending on the weather, the film is screened in the library of Bayt al-Andalus, or in the garden. For program details (in Dutch) and subscription, see Een Bengaalse Lente. 

May 28, 2010 – Film Screening – Satyajit Ray: Ghare Baire – Home & The World  (1984)  
  
A tender film version of one of Rabindranath Tagore’s most gripping stories, Ghare Baire explores the relationship between traditional Bengali values, sympathy for revolutionary movevements, and pragmatic empathy with the peasantry in Bengal.  This film screening, introduced by Francis Laleman, is part of the 2010 Bengal Spring Series at Bayt al-Andalus. Depending on the weather, the film is screened in the library of Bayt al-Andalus, or in the garden. For program details (in Dutch) and subscription, see Een Bengaalse Lente. 

May 21, 2010 – Film Screening – Asit Sen: Khamoshi - Silence  (1963)  
  
A true classic, this story situated in a psychiatric ward in Calcutta, shortly after the Indo-Chinese war of 1962. Memorable acting (by the later Bollywood stars Waheeda Rahman and Rajesh Khanna), unforgettable music (Hemant Kumar), brilliant lyrics and dialogues (Gulzar), and stunning black-and-white cinematography (Kamal Bose). This film screening, introduced by Francis Laleman, is part of the 2010 Bengal Spring Series at Bayt al-Andalus. Depending on the weather, the film is screened in the library of Bayt al-Andalus, or in the garden. For program details (in Dutch) and subscription, see Een Bengaalse Lente. 

May 7, 2010 – Management Workshop - Ni Hao – Working effectively with a Chinese Workforce  
  
Eddy Van Hemelrijck introduces managers and HR people to the much acclaimed Dunya seminar on Intercultural Management with a Chinese workforce. This seminar has previously been held at a series of companies and organisations in Belgium and abroad (see a.o. the Kauri website)  
This in-house open seminar is organised by Dunya. For more details, see the Dunya Ni Hao Seminar file.

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May 5, 2010 – Management Workshop - Pardeshi – Working effectively with an Indian Workforce  
  
Francis Laleman introduces managers and HR people to the much acclaimed Dunya seminar on Intercultural Management with an Indian workforce. This seminar has previously been held at a series of companies and organisations in Belgium and abroad (see a.o. the Unizo website).  
This in-house open seminar is organised by Dunya. For more details, see the Dunya Pardeshi Seminar file. 

April 24, 2010 – Film Screening - Satyajit Ray: Mahanagar – The Big City  (1963)  
  
Mahanagar (The Big City) is Satyajit Ray’s tribute to the famous Abataranikastory by Narendranath Mitra (1916-1975). The film, considered a milestone in Indian feminist circles, follows a woman who gradually escapes from her traditional gender stereotype, and in the process discovers herself, her ambitions, and the limits posed by ethical and moral self-reflection. This film screening, introduced by Francis Laleman, is part of the 2010 Bengal Spring Series at Bayt al-Andalus. For program details (in Dutch) and subscription, see Een Bengaalse Lente. 

March 26, 2010 – Film Screening - Satyajit Ray: Charulata – The Lonely Wife (1964)  
  
According to Satyajit Ray himself, this is his best ever film. The story, reminding us of Ibsen’s Doll House evolves around the mental processes of rich editor’s wife who cherises her own literary ambitions. This film screening, introduced by Francis Laleman, is part of the 2010 Bengal Spring Series at Bayt al-Andalus. For program details (in Dutch) and subscription, see Een Bengaalse Lente. 

March 24, 2010 – From Calcutta to Oxford with Nirad Chaudhuri (lecture) 
  
Francis Laleman follows the trail of the Bengali author and political philosopher Nirad Chaudhuri (1897-1999), one of the most remarkable intellectual geniuses of the last century. Born and raised in Calcutta in the context of the Great Bengal Renaissance, Chaudhuri started publishing on his 59th birthday, and ended his long and fruitful life in Oxford, England, musing on the political and philosophical lessons of yesteryear and challenges of today. This lecture is part of the 2010 Bengal Spring Series at Bayt al-Andalus. For program details (in Dutch) and subscription, see Een Bengaalse Lente. 

March 17, 2010 – The Many Faces of Satyajit Ray (lecture) 
  
Francis Laleman explores the many faces of the artistry of the Bengal painter, illustrator, composer, musician, writer, novelist, photographer and film director Satyajit Ray (1921-1992). This lecture is part of the 2010 Bengal Spring Series at Bayt al-Andalus, and is an ideal introduction for the upcoming film screenings of three of Satyajit Ray’s most remarkable films: Charulata – The Lonely Wife (1964), Mahanagar – The Big City (1963) and Ghare Baire – Home and The World (1984). For program details (in Dutch) and subscription, see Een Bengaalse Lente. 

March 10, 2010 – Rabindranath Tagore and the Bengal Renaissance (lecture) 
  
Francis Laleman highlights the role of Rabindranath Tagore (1861-1941), 1913 Nobel Prize winner for literature, as the mentor of the Bengal Renaissance of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. This lecture is part of the 2010 Bengal Spring Series at Bayt al-Andalus. For program details (in Dutch) and subscription, see Een Bengaalse Lente.

September 25, 2009 – INTACH at Bayt al-Andalus

Geert Robberechts, among much more the business manager of La Petite Bande (Sigiswald Kuijken), chairman of the Werkgroep Kunstenorganisaties, and secretary of the International Opera Foundation Esterhaza, introduces the Belgian Chapter of INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage) and its projects on the Lost Gardens of Khajuraho.  

This event coincides with a reception to celebrate the opening of the recently renovated Glass Palace (Sheesh Mahal) at Bayt al-Andalus.

June 18, 2009 – Sun Tzu (The Art of War), or: an Ancient Chinese Model for Effective Corporate Leadership

Francis Laleman introduces managers and HR people to the ancient Chinese master Sun Tzu (The Art of War), and ventures to discover what modern managers can learn from him.
This event is organised by Dunya.  For more details, see the Dunya Sun-Tzu Seminar file.

June 11, 2009 – Neeti-Shastra, The Art of Leadership

Francis Laleman introduces managers and HR people to the ancient Indian Neeti-Shahstra (The Art of Leadership), based on the Leadership models of Manu and Chanakya/Kautilya.
This event is organised by Dunya. For more details, see the Dunya Neeti-Shastra Seminar file.

May 2009 – (Film Series) Lessons taken from Communal Tension in India

A series of five feature films on current events in India, highlighting the lessons to be taken from communal tensions between cultural minorities.
The series includes (May 8, 2009) Khamosh Pani (Subiha Sumar, 2003), (May 15) Earth (Deepa Mehta, 1998), (May 22) Dev (Govind Nihlani, 2004), (May 29) Sheen (Ashok Pandit, 2004) and (June 5) Black and White (Subhash Ghai, 2008).
Each film is introduced by Francis Laleman. Details on the Mughal Festival Program Page.

April 21-24, 2009 – Dunya Open Business Seminars at Bayt al-Andalus

A varied set of Open Business Seminars, organised by Dunya.
The program includes A 21-st Century Approach to Intercultural Business and Communication (April 21), Launching Intercultural Business Processes (April 23), Working Effectively with an Indian Workforce (April 24) and Working Effectively with a Chinese Workforce (April 24).
For more details, consult the Dunya Open Seminars webpage.

March 28, 2009 – (Film & Indian Mughlai Lunch) Mirza Asadullah Ghalib – the Gulzar Television Series

Viewing of the entire 17-parts legendary Mirza Ghalib television series by Sampooran Singh Gulzar (1988). Introduction by Francis Laleman.
The program takes a full Saturday. On the way, we discover the Mughlai cuisine, as prepared by Michaela Broeckx and our Indian cooks Rana and Priya.
For full details  click here

March 21, 2009 - Mirza Asadullah Ghalib, A Theatrical Biography

In a multi-media production, Francis Laleman evokes a genuine Mushairah (poet’s gathering) at Bayt al-Andalus. At the mean time, we travel through the life of the Mirza Asadullah Ghalib, India’s main 19-th century Urdu poet and representative of the twilight of Mughal culture.
The program includes a theatrical monologue, poetry recitings, music, singing, dancing, and video.
The program starts at 20:30. Entrance fee is at € 15. For more details,  click here

March 12, 2009 - Kauri at Bayt al-Andalus: Doing Business with China

This Kauri event on doing business with/in China highlights current Dunya business cases. Also, it is Beyond Border’s and Dunya’s delight to invite two of its competitors to join in this workshop. For details, see the Kauri website.


Februari-June 2009 - Mughal India at Bayt al-Andalus

Throughout 2009, Indian Mughal culture is a central theme to a series of activities at Bayt-al-Andalus.
Beyond Borders schedules 5 modules, 4 out of which are programmed in the spring of 2009 (from Februari till the end of June), consisting of in-house trainings, lectures,  theatre, film showings, music, cuisine, and more.
The fifth module is a tour through Mughal India, scheduled for October 2009.

For a detailed program, voor een gedetailleerd programma:  click here.

November-December 2008 -  Dunya Open Seminars: Intercultural business


Together with Dunya, Beyond Borders and Bayt al-Andalus invite their business contacts to a set of business seminars on intercultuiral business matters. The seminars include Creating Intercultural Business Awareness, Doing Business Abroad, and Managing People Overseas.

For more details on the programs on offer, click here

November 22, 2008 -  Ex-Change Intercultural Communication Workshop

Together with Dunya, Beyond Borders and Bayt al-Andalus invite Ex-Change for a workshop on intercultural competences.

Program, feedback and pictures are available on this simple click.

October 18, 2008 – Aquarius soloists: Music on poems by Emily Dickenson

On October 18, Bayt al-Andalus once more hosts composer/cello player Marc Michael De Smet and three female soloists of the Aquarius Ensemble (formerly the Goeyvaerts Consort).
This new concert highlights just once author, Emily Dickenson. Her poems were set to music by Marc Michael De Smet with the voice of soloist Lieve Jansen in mind. Mrs Jansen will be accompagnied by backing vocals, with interludes played on harpsichord.
Entree fees (at € 10) as usual entirely go to the Aquarius group. Seats are limited: confirm your scheduled presence by sending us a mail.

October 10-17-24, 2008 – India Induction Course (hosted by IBS)

Doing business in India: an introduction. This series is hosted by India Business Support, with Michaela Broeckx, Bert Verdonck and Francis Laleman.
Further details on on the India Business Support website.

August 24, 2008 – Bayt al-Andalus visits Villa Carpentier (Ronse)

Celebrate a full day of cultural diversity with Michaela Broeckx and Francis Laleman at Villa Carpentier, Ronse. The villa and its garden are unique remnants of Victor Horta patrimony in Belgium. The program includes a dejeuner-sur-l’herbe, musical recitals (western classical, western folk, rajasthani folk), dance (bollywood, bharatanatyam), workshops (mehndi, sari, cricket, ...), an auction (profits go to the Anand & Jeevan Deep projects in Bihar, India), and a delicious home-cooked Indian dinner.
Strictly on invitation, please send mail to Francis Laleman and/or Michaela Broeckx for further details.

April 12, 2008 - Een rugzak vol reisverhalen (met Sandra Van Kemseke)

On April 12 2008, Bayt al-Andalus hosts actress, globe-trotter and storyteller Sandra Van Kemseke with a tailor-made program of travel stories.
Sandra brings a series of objects from around the world, and members of the audience are free to point at any of these, whereupon Sandra tells one of her stories connected to the object. In this way, the audience creates the performance along with the actress - and it is hard to predict where we will end up! For further details: click here.
Entree fees (at € 10) entirely go to the actress.
Seats are limited: confirm your scheduled presence by sending us a mail.

 Contact:
 flaleman@zensearch.com

Bayt al-Andalus Media Coverage
On April 18th 2008, professional photographer Guy Obijn visited the Beyond Borders, Dunya and India Business Support headquarters for a photo-shoot focusing on interior architecture. For a selection of his work, click the above link.

Organise your seminar, event or concert
Those interested in having a seminar, meeting, event or concert housed at Bayt al-Andalus should contact us through the above address.



Beyond Borders Inhouse Training
For companies looking for an exquisite offsite location in which to roganise their training sessions, Beyond Borders offers its own premises together with its services in a package deal.