Bert Kruismans: 'Often, after a show, Walloons ask me how they are perceived in Flanders'

Flemish comedian Bert Kruismans observes a recurring theme in his interactions with audiences from Wallonia: a curiosity about how they are perceived by their Flemish counterparts. This dynamic, he suggests, highlights the unique cultural landscape of Belgium, which he finds to be a rich source of inspiration for his work.

Kruismans, who identifies as Francophile, believes that the inherent differences and the ongoing dialogue between Belgium's French-speaking and Dutch-speaking communities offer a fertile ground for humor. He finds that these regional perceptions and the very existence of such questions provide ample material for his stand-up shows.

His commentary points to the complex, yet often humorous, relationship between the two main linguistic communities in Belgium. The fact that audience members from one region seek to understand their image in another underscores the ongoing cultural exchange and, for Kruismans, the comedic potential within these interactions.