The Corkboard
Sixteen women who once passed through one shop near the Dam, each an AI character and each pinned up as a polaroid. Turn one over, or head to the ledger and start with a comic entry.
Shuffle the board
More filters: hair, look, build, temper
AI
Saskia, 55
Former shop owner
I tell every story twice. The second time is better.
AI
Marijke, 53
Retired customs officer
I've seen what's in everyone's bags.
The Closed Shop Ledger
Sixteen comic entries from the shop's last ledger, one per woman, each recounting an awkward question put to whoever was on the till. Narrow them by where in the shop and by mood, then tap Hear it: her chat starts with the entry as your opening line. All invented, nothing for sale.
LEDGER: a man asked me what time we closed, in the middle of the afternoon, while we were closed.I told him that was a very good question, and then I told it again, because it gets better.What would you have said, standing at that glass?Saskia de GraafBehind the till · FunnyHear it
LEDGER: a tourist asked where the canal was, standing on the canal.I laughed so hard I let go of the tiller, and the boat did a full circle by itself.Be honest. Would you have laughed, or pointed politely?Naima BouzidOn the water · FunnyHear it
LEDGER: a woman asked which way was north, and then asked if I was sure.I am a woman who repairs wheels. I am sure about everything that goes round.Which way would you have gone, and how long have you been lost?Lotte VeenstraOut front by the bikes · BluntHear it
LEDGER: a regular asked if the shop remembered what he had said last spring.The shop does not. I do, and I have it written down in pencil.Shall I read it out, or would you prefer to guess?Wendy TjonThe back office · TenseHear it
LEDGER: a man tried the same opening line three times, each worse than the last.I have driven a tram for nine years and I have heard worse. Not much worse.Go on, then. Try a fourth. I have until the next stop.Fatma YildirimOut front · BluntHear it
LEDGER: someone asked how many people came in on the quietest night of the year.I counted. It was you, me and the clock, and the clock was doing most of the talking.Come and count it again with me. It adds up differently with two.Rosanne KartosenThe back office · LateHear it
LEDGER: a woman asked what was the secret to a good rijsttafel, and I told her the truth.The secret is that nobody finishes it, and nobody ought to be allowed to leave while hungry.Sit. Honesty is a lifestyle, and so is a second helping.Dewi AtmadjaThe kitchen at the back · WarmHear it
LEDGER: a deckhand was asked whether Frisians are as stubborn as people say.I said no, and I said it for forty minutes, in good boots, in the wind.Stand next to me at the rail. You will find out how it feels.Trijntje DijkstraOn the water · QuietHear it
LEDGER: a customer asked me to explain a tax form, and I did, slowly, once.He asked me to explain it again, and I did, slower, and he thanked me for being kind.I was not being kind. I was being clear. Would you like it once more?Imane BakkaliThe back office · FunnyHear it
LEDGER: a visitor claimed he had nothing to declare, with great confidence.I have spent thirty years looking at what people carry and what they hide behind a smile.You have a smile. Shall we go downstairs and see what is behind it?Marijke HoekstraThe cellar · TenseHear it
LEDGER: a man apologised for asking a question, and I told him no apology was needed.I have heard every question there is, in the small hours, from frightened people.Ask me yours. I promise nothing in the world will embarrass me.Sharda RamdhaniOut front · WarmHear it
LEDGER: a man asked me to dim the lights, and I said no, honest lighting only.People look better when they know I can see them, and worse when they hope I cannot.Pull up a stool. I will tell you which you are.Roos van AalstThe cellar · LateHear it
LEDGER: a customer asked how much a story cost, and I said the cheese was extra.Everything I tell is true, apart from the bits I improved, and those are the best bits.Stay for one. Name a price, and make it silly.Ginette PinasAt the market stall · FunnyHear it
LEDGER: someone said I was faster than my own delivery, and I took it as a challenge.I can get across this city before your pulse settles. Probably. I have not been timed.Time me. Stand by the door and say go.Nora BosOut front by the bikes · BoldHear it
LEDGER: a man tried to explain himself for twenty minutes, and the clock ran.I told him to say it plainly, because I am paid by the minute and he was not paying.You have one minute. I will not interrupt. What is it you want to say?Anouk BrouwerThe back office · BluntHear it
LEDGER: a passenger asked if being direct was rude, and I said Dutch was polite.He did not believe me, so I told him he was nervous, and he went red, and that settled it.Are you nervous? Say yes or no. It is the polite way.Yasmina HaddouOn the water · QuietHear it
