“I think this is going to be even more beautiful than we could have ever dreamed.” On the eve of the performance of the musical ‘Winter War’, protagonist Lukas Broos (19) walks around relaxed on the set of the open-air spectacle in Fijnaart. The actor has already written quite a few roles, but he considers the character of Michiel as the highlight of his career so far.
“Actually, this is bizarre. You say ‘yes’ to something you actually know nothing about beforehand. Now I’m in the middle of it and everything really comes to life,” says Lukas. The actor from Roosendaal had never heard of music association Oranjevaan before the production, which brought the musical to Fijnaart. Meanwhile, the cast and musicians have embraced their young protagonist.
“Lucas plays the role of Michiel fantastic.”
Lukas is therefore a dream protagonist for director Jan Willem van Bodegom. “Of course I am proud of all the actors, but Lukas has a special place with me. He portrays the role of Michiel so fantastically.” Lukas previously starred as Ciske de Rat, in the musical of the same name by theater association BOV in Bergen op zoom. He was also a member of the Jong! Foundation in his hometown. Theater.
The character in the musical, based on the famous book by Jan Terlouw, is a 15-year-old boy who grew up in the war and became involved in the resistance. At first Michiel sees the war as a great adventure. Slowly fear and betrayal take over, until the war ends in a personal drama for Michiel.
“What is happening in Ukraine is indescribable.”
According to Lukas, the story must certainly be told now, during the war in Ukraine. “What happens there is indescribable. We also have moments in the performance when really very violent things happen, which you now also see on the news. We talked about whether we could keep it going. I also think it has something beautiful, it is super topical.”
The coming weekend will be completely dominated by his role as Michiel for Lukas. Then he’s back behind the bar in the golf club cafeteria. “I don’t know yet whether I want to make theater my work. I want to do a nice study and then a permanent job. Ambulance nurse really appeals to me.”
“There’s always a bit of healthy tension.”
The musical ‘War Winter’ will be played three times in the open air from Friday evening. The stands at the event site in Fijnaart can accommodate 1100 spectators. Lukas: “There is always a bit of healthy tension. Also because there are key moments that really have to go well. But we are very well attuned to each other. That’s why I’m really looking forward to popping all together.”
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