She herself had been aware for some time that the king was planning the performance East Side Story by Theater On the Other Side (ADAK) would visit, but had to keep tight lips. Until today, when the high word was allowed to get out. “I am really proud, this is a huge boost for the ADAK project”, project leader Miranda Bolhuis exults.
She admits that King Willem-Alexander is coming to Westerbork next Monday to attend the performance. “Our chairman of the board already made an attempt to bring the king here a few years ago, but that was not possible due to a lack of time in the royal family.”
A second attempt also failed, because coronavirus threw a spanner in the works. But three times, as is often the case, turned out to be a charm. “In collaboration with the province”, emphasizes Bolhuis. “And now that it’s done, we’re all overjoyed.”
East Side Story is, according to the project leader annex theater maker, about the Moluccan-Dutch history, from the arrival in 1951 to the present. “During the performance, we take the audience on a journey, so to speak. So at Memorial Center Kamp Westerbork, which was called Kamp Schattenberg at the time, from 1951 to now and even a bit into the future,” it sounds somewhat mysterious.
Whether it concerns the king or not, the performance itself will not be adjusted due to the large number of visitors. Well has East Side Story according to Bolhuis, there is an intermediate section – “we call it the festival” – in which everyone eats together and there is also room for meeting.
“And we have taken that very literally in this case. King Willem-Alexander will then watch the first part of the performance with us in the former Kamp Schattenberg, and then exchange ideas in small groups and enjoy a delicious meal. So we have min or more table guests for him,” laughs Bolhuis.
“The king’s visit is also funny in a way, because people who wouldn’t dance on June 12 are now suddenly there. Strange, isn’t it?”, she continues with a wink.
The nice reactions make the anticipation towards Monday even bigger. “So far everyone has been very exuberant, although the king’s visit does cost me some extra preparations. Whether it is stressful? That’s not too bad, it’s in any case very nice stress.”