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Discover the avant garde on the streets of Rotterdam. This week's edition of Meet the Streets takes you across Rotterdam sculptures.

Photos by Katarzyna Jaskiewicz

A supercalafragalisticexpialidocious evening with Mary Poppins the musical Winner of five Musical Awards as well as the winner of the Musical Awards Gala of 2010, this family friendly musical has won the hearts of theatre goers all across The Netherlands. The lovable nanny of the Banks family with her quirks and magic make life a little more interesting. From her ability to fly using just her umbrella to her carpet bag full of surprises Mary Poppins takes you on a wonderful journey. While her techniques are not always approved of by Mr. and Mrs. Banks, the children grow to love and adore her. In the end it isn’t just the children who learn from Mary Poppins but Mr. and Mrs. Banks as well, that anything can happen if you let it. This classic, heartwarming and magical musical is a must see for people of all ages. More information and ticket prices can be found at http://www.musical-marypoppins.nl/

#Musical #Theatre #Mary Poppins #Musical Awards 2010 #The Netherlands #supercalafragalisticexpialidocious

Having recently preformed on national television at De Wereld Draait Door, pop band Eins, Zwei Orchestra has introduced the Dutch music scene to a more colorful tune. Judging from their catchy single Spiral this band is definitely worth keeping an eye on. The single Spiral is featured on their album 100 colors, which is available on iTunes and via the band’s website: http://einszweiorchestra.com/

#Eins Zwei Orchestra #De Wereld Draait Door #100 Colors #Spiral #pop music

Gooische vrouwen

The women from Het Gooi are often seen as the Dutch equivalent of Sex and the City. In my opinion, it is not fair to make this comparison. The television series as well as the movie are far more satiric and self-deprecating. Translating a successful television show into a movie is a risky business and there are countless failures. Therefore, it is even more impressive how the directors managed to take the step to the theaters, keeping all the great aspects of the series without giving the impression of watching an extra long episode. The movie is about four girlfriends acted by Linda de Mol, Susan Visser, Tjitske Reidinga, and Lies Visschedijk, living in the Gooi, the wealthiest region of the Netherlands. Four very different women struggle with ridiculous problems resulting in the decision to leave their luxurious lives and go to France for a week. The strength of this movie, I believe is the way the directors use cliché situations and the hilarious job of stereotyping this region. If you are in for a night of Dutch humor, with a great deal of self-deprecating, this movie fits perfectly!

#Gooische vrouwen #Dutch movie #Linda de Mol #Will Koopman

‘De Kus’ – Intensity theatre.

He is enjoying nature; contemplating on his life. She has other issues; struggling with a diagnosis that has a potentially terminal character. They encounter each other by chance but are confronted with an odd but intense connection.

The two characters are entangled in a confrontational dialogue. A dialogue that illustrates their clashing worldviews, backgrounds and ideologies. Surprisingly, two persons couldn’t have been more connected as these two. Soon they discover that the other person is key in the process of dealing with the misery and issues accompanying their daily lives.

Huub Stapel and Carine Crutzen succeeded in creating a strong and intriguing play; displaying a variety of different emotions. It manages to address tangible and serious issues, while embedding a lot of humor, sarcasm and irony. This combination places the concepts addressed in perspective; giving an insightful and fresh view on contemporary problems that can practically exist in every household.

The play is driven by the urge to find the ending point of this encounter. To what will this lead? New love? A kiss? Or are new insights sufficient? It is without a doubt that the two actors enhance each other’s play and succeed in portraying this chemistry. The phases of love and lost ambitions are only two of the many concepts addressed.

‘De Kus’ is a play that has been submitted by one of our visitors. In theatre now. For more information visit: http://www.hummelinckstuurman.nl/voorstelling/DeKus/speellijst/

Language: Dutch

#Theatre #De Kus #Huub Stapel #Carine Crutzen

There is more to Rotterdam than just modern architecture. If you look close enough you can find many romantic places. So explore it youself since the spring is already in the air!

Photos by Katarzyna Jaskiewicz

Queensnight in The Hague The night before the well-known Queensday where people all over the country find their way to Amsterdam, The Hague's city centre gets overwhelmed by over 200.000 visitors to enjoy a night out full music performances of all different styles. Next to the free open air shows and cheap shows in the 'Theather aan het Spui', every year a bandelection is held in which the upcoming bands show off their talents. Although this year, the further existance of Queensnight (or Koninginnenach as the true "Hagenezen" call it) was endangered by governmental restruction in free festivals and further cuts in subsidies. The organizors had to make sure to cut 30% of the costs. Luckily, the organizors took the challenge to make sure this festival which makes The Hague so proud would take place this year. And eventhough the line up is yet to be announced..I'm sure it will be at least so much fun and impressive as the past years! So, make sure to visit the Hague on the 29th of April, enjoy drinks and snacks served on every corner and get into the orange mood for the Queen's birthday!

#Koninginnenacht #The Hague #29th April 2011 #Queensnight

Utrecht Dreams of Rome: transferring art styles

For centuries the Netherlands has been at the heart of the international art world. Tourists from across the globe travel to Amsterdam and The Hague to see the works of the masters of the Golden Age. However, a trip to the Rijksmuseum does not enclose the entire story behind the success of Vermeer, Rembrandt, and the like. In order to thoroughly understand how these masters were inspired, an additional few hours at the Centraal Museum Utrecht are required.

During the sixteenth century, the city of Utrecht developed into the economic and religious centre of the country. Simultaneously this city became the home of many artists that found their inspiration in the Italian works of the Renaissance. The “Utrecht Dreams of Rome” exhibition at the Centraal Museum Utrecht houses many masterpieces that clearly show in what ways Dutch art was influenced by Italian artists. A diverse range of artefacts and paintings visually links Italian art with the art created by the Dutch masters. The Utrecht Caravaggisti, for example, were inspired by Italian baroque, which they incorporated in their work. Their works subsequently inspired several Dutch masters, enabling Italian art to resonate in many famous paintings of, among others, Rembrandt and Vermeer.

For both the art connoisseur as well as the amateur art lover, the “Utrecht Dreams of Rome” exhibition is definitely worthwhile. This unique exhibition enables one to learn more about the Dutch masters whilst enjoying works dating back to the sixteenth and seventeenth century. The “Utrecht Dreams of Rome” exhibition can be viewed at the Centraal Museum Utrecht until the end of this year.

More information about the exhibition can be found on the website of the Centraal Museum Utrecht. http://www.centraalmuseum.nl/page.ocl?pageid=133&expo_id=185&filter=

#exhibition #Utrecht Dreams of Rome #Centraal Museum Utrecht #Dutch art #Utrecht Caravaggisti

Getting “Angry” - Netherlands Photo Museum

Radicalism is a word that has taken on a more negative connotation since 9/11. “Angry” takes on three perspectives, that of photographers, youths and the media in an effort to bring connotations of radicalism back to its idealistic roots of societal change. The exhibition questions who radicalists are and who decides what or who is a radical? This exhibition takes on a subject that is relevant to everyone. The exhibition is composed of photographs, videos, multimedia, interviews, media reports, and various other pieces. This powerful collection all speaks to question why radicalism came to be and the consequences it brings with it. Opened on January 22, 2011, this exhibition is a must see for people of all ages. While the images and stories can be confrontational, “Angry” takes on an important and very relevant topic for the 21st Century. More information and ticket prices can be found on the Nederlands fotomuseum website, http://www.nederlandsfotomuseum.nl/

Dotan - Talent from Amsterdam

Bombarded as serious talent by radio 3fm while he just finished recording his first album 'Dream parade' (which will be released next month). This guy managed to convince worldly renowned music producers to work with him. The result are clear: a record deal with EMI, an album recorded in America and increasing local and national airplay.

This Town is the first single of the upcoming album and its sound resembles the melancholic music of snow patrol but is then infused with the subtle sound of Sting.

The music video at least makes sure that you are able to sing along

www.dotanmusic.com

#Music #Dotan #This Town #Amsterdam #Dream parade #3fm serious talent

The contemporary art market has been a subject of many controversies and debates since the end of the Second World War. Nevertheless with the boom of the global economy we have witnessed an enormous increase in the prices of the contemporary art with the record of 151.8 million dollars for a No.5, 1948 by Jackson Pollock sold on a private auction in Sotheby’s. Ben Lewis spent a year investigating the rise and the fall of the contemporary art market and presents his finding in a breathtaking documentary ‘The Great Contemporary Art Bubble’. He asks questions which seem to be uncomfortable for many, from the artist to the art dealers, collectors, galleries, auction houses and even public museums. Lewis tries to reveal the factors which lead to the creation of the art bubble itself and the reasons which lead to its burst. Just to name a few: speculation, mass production, public exhibition, price protection, love and passion for art, all resulted this unprecedented rise in the financial value of art. However all those reasons seem to be true, we can ask ourselves a question, which appeared in the movie itself: “Is it not just a couple of rich people screwing other rich people?” In other words what are the public consequences of such an economic phenomenon? Who is responsible for it? Who benefits and who loses in this battle for social status?

If you want to know more watch 'The Great Contemporary Art Bubble' by Ben Lewis at BBC website.

Meet the Street is back with its weekly edition. This time aliens and other creatures invade Rotterdam.

Photos by Katarzyna Jaskiewicz

Dutch jazz at its best: upcoming singer Ntjam Rosie. New album 'elle' is available on itunes.

http://www.ntjamrosie.com/

Carnival. Historically a fest designed by nobility and clergy to enable people to voice their daily misery. One week of excessive drinking, eating and mocking of those in power with satire and sarcasm. Today, carnival is still the people’s fest resembling its original design. However, it caters to entirely different needs and has different meanings among different people. So what does this fest mean for these people? Is it typically Dutch? Monique (43), mother of two, sees carnival as an escape from reality. A week where she can take all the time for herself and for her family: ‘I consider carnival to be a family fest. I enjoy it most when I see my oldest daughter all dressed up and having the time of her life’. In addition, Monique uses carnival to see old friends, which she unfortunately does not have to time to see regularly: ‘It is great to see old-time friends, all grown up and with children of their own. Especially because they were the ones I was partying with when I was young’. For Thomas (20) carnival resembles friendship and camaraderie: ‘I help building on a carnival-wagon and I get a lot of questions why I spend so much time on building a car you would eventually use only once. But the process, the friendship, and doing-things-together aspect of carnival make it more than worth.’ Dirk (34) thinks carnival is typically something Dutch: ‘In Holland carnival is particularly something that is alive in the southern parts of Holland. And although carnival is a fest that exists in multiple countries around the globe, each version has its own rituals and characteristics. It is even different among villages.‘ The music can be considered horrible; the outfits can look somewhat ridiculous but the atmosphere of carnival is something you definitely should experience.

#festivals #Carnival

Museums at night? Experience it yourself!

There is only one night during the whole year when museums, art galleries and all kinds of exhibitions become the place to be on a Saturday evening. On the 5th of March 2011 Rotterdam celebrated its 10th anniversary of the Museumnacht. In order to rejoice that birthday 46 galleries and museums opened their doors for all the night visitors. This special edition was centered around 10 initiatives by Rotterdam’s new artists and performers. We believe that the most exciting art exhibitions this year could be found in the many galleries located at the Witte de Withstraat. ‘Welcome in the New World’ – an interactive installation created by Sober Industries offered an escape from reality into the 3D world of illusion and animation. At Schouwburgplein below the square floor you could endorse yourself into a music experience based on the binary system created by Peter Sterk. While if you prefer some more down to earth vision Boijmans Van Beuningen and Kunsthal were the places to see. Nevertheless the most fun part about the whole night was that the city came to life like it never does during the year. Streets were full of people going into the direction of the Museum Park to finally join the main party. Moreover with your pass you could hop on the Museum Night Bus and the Museum Night Boat which would both take you to all the locations. Although if you enjoy contemplating art in peace and solitude Museumnight might not be the best choice for you. Do not worry if you missed it you can still see some of the installations around the city. Make sure however to check the websites of the galleries and museums for more detail.

Sonny Boy: love and tragedy

Ever wondered what the Netherlands was like eighty years ago? The recently premiered production Sonny Boy allows you to take a rare look at Dutch society dating back to the pre-WWII days.

Packaged in a two-hour-long drama, this movie tells the story of Surinamese-born Waldemar Nods who travels across the Atlantic to attend university in the Netherlands. Discriminated because of his skin colour, he eventually finds a room to rent at Rika van der Lans, a separated mother of four. As expected, it doesn’t take long until the first signs of a blooming romance are projected on the screen. Unfortunately, early twentieth century Dutch society isn’t as tolerant as its more contemporary equivalent. As a result, Waldemar and Rika find themselves confronted with old-fashioned bigotry wrapped in a “love conquers all” storyline.

Judging from the storyline –based on a bestseller by Annejet van der Zijl– and the budget –a staggering un-Dutch 6 million euros– you’d expect this movie to be beyond spectacular. Indeed, the story succeeds to make you feel for the poor couple. However, at moments the movie feels a bit too scripted and overambitious. Especially at the end you’ll notice meagre attempts to fit Hollywood-like scenes in the movie. Even though the movie fails to deliver on these points, overall you’ll probably find yourself increasingly captured by it.

So if you feel like going to the movies to witness a tragic love story (or if you just have two hours to kill on a Saturday evening) Sonny Boy is worth your consideration. Sonny Boy can be viewed in cinemas across the country.

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1138481/combined

#Dutch movie #Sonny Boy

An evening of theatre on a budget: Hofplein Rotterdam present “Vanavond in de Kroeg” - Killing Time & Café Latino

Going to the theatre no longer is for the rich and powerful, but for people of all ages and walk of life. Tickets to go and see a show have become less expensive, and so the cost of a nice evening stays affordable. Hofplein theatre Rotterdam, a theatre school, has a reputation of putting on good shows that showcase their students as well as various other amateur actors, for a price that won’t break the bank.

Currently, they are combining two shows, both approximately one hour each, in one evening titled “Vanavond in de Kroeg” . Killing Time follows a documentary style television show that is investigating a gruesome high school shooting. As the show progresses the producers realize the power that the media holds in creating sensation and skewing facts around in such type events in the efforts boost ratings. Café Latino is an interactive dans competition wherein the audience helps to decide the winners of the dance competition. Teams take the floor and battle each other with their latin dance moves in the efforts to win over the audience and win the competition.

This lovely night out will set you back around €9,50 for your ticket, plus any beverages or snacks you wish to purchase during the intermission. The Hofplein Rotterdam is easily accessible with public transit, and offers you an entertaining evening on a budget.

#Amateur Theatre #Hofplein Rotterdam

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