The mini theater of De Wijk De Wereld literally looks somewhat deserted. A few empty seats are still standing in front of the red mobile theater in the parking space next to d’Olde Bieb. However, rhythmic salsa music can be heard through the side door of the building. Does the promo afternoon for the theater project fall into the water? Anyone who has been inside knows that is not the case.
“We started outside this afternoon, great. But then there was such a big downpour…. we went inside anyway”, says artistic director Leonne de Jong. “That is a pity, because outside passers-by can stop for a while to listen to the music.” She therefore regularly goes out to ‘pick’ people from the street and involve them in the activities. Inside, Ensemble de la Rosa plays Latin American music. Singer Belkys Maria Montero De la Rosa became involved with the theater when she participated in it in the Oosterparkwijk in Groningen. Standing still on the music that she and two musicians (keyboard and conga drums) make is almost impossible. Spontaneously there is really ‘old-fashioned’ dancing by enthusiasts. Sometimes cautiously in a corner, but the 87-year-old Henk – fond of a dance – leads the ladies around right in front of the audience. Most importantly, the dancers are having fun, lots of fun.
Neighborhood song Wolfsbos
The aim of DWDW is to bring local residents together through a theater performance. After two residents’ meetings, the various groups have now been formed, such as singing, dancing and theatre. Not only residents of the neighborhood, but also residents of the AZC and Ukrainians who regularly meet in the community center d’Olde Bieb participate in the project. Each group is responsible for scenes of the stage performance under the guidance of professional theater makers. The stories of residents are processed in the piece. Actually just like in the Wijklied Wolfsbos. Making such a song is a tradition in the project.
Dragging with piano
The clip was added last week. Leonne beams at the memory: “We made it with forty people, at 30 locations.” With mischievous eyes, she gives a theatrical sigh and says: “We’ve been dragging that piano around, dude!”
Those who watch the clip know that it is true. This song is sung in Drents by Martijje Lubbers and the accompanying video is full of local residents. The singer also presented the song in the mini theater this day. Just like juggler Guido van Hout, she can still perform outside before the storm hits.
Later inside, Guido once again shows that he can defy gravity with juggling cones, but the audience is completely impressed when he gets to work as a music juggler. He rhythmically shakes transparent balls filled with rice, bullets or copper balls. Each species with its own sound. Many attendees also get to work with the rice balls themselves. In a circle they pass on the sound, shaking and within a few minutes everyone is enthusiastic. “Throw, clap, shake,” Guido demonstrates. There is a lot of practice, 7 or 87 years. It does not matter. They all giggle. Talk about connection.
White masks
Martin de Vries looks on with pleasure. His wife once took him to d’Olde Bieb to drink coffee. “Now I do all sorts of things here. Things I like.” He is silent for a second or two. “Also things I don’t like very much, such as washing the dishes,” he jokes. He also got involved in the De Wijk De Wereld project. “Sarah’s fault.” Sarah van der Meer is the accompanist of the DWDW theater group. “Her enthusiasm is so contagious.”
The 81-year-old resident of De Wulp has no theater background at all, yet he is one of the players who will be on stage at De Tamboer in mid-May during the performances of De Wijk de Wereld – Wolfsbos. “We are doing something with white masks. All have to depict things. For example, during a rehearsal I had to show what I would do if I walked into a cinema. I took a piece of paper out of my pocket and pretended it was my ticket to find the right line. Well, I think practically. I think it surprised Sarah.”
Martin has no idea what the performance will look like. “I am very curious about how Sarah will soon make a performance of this. Perhaps that is the main reason that I come to rehearse every week. I’m really curious what the whole thing will lead to.”
Ticket sale started
Whoever wants to see that. Which can. Ticket sales for the performances in De Tamboer have started. The performances are from 11 to 13 May. The try-out is on Thursday, May 11 at 8 p.m. The premiere is Friday, May 12 at 8 p.m. and the Saturday performances are at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Tickets are for sale at De Tamboer: https://detamboer.nl/programma/de-wijk-de-wereld-wolfsbos-2023