It was the then verrector who thought that the Gooische HBS could use a cabaret and theater association. For example, ‘We Athenozems’ was founded in 1964. At the end of the sixties, the student Brandsteder joined the company. That he had talent was soon clear to his fellow Athenozems. “He had a beautiful, deep voice. Could sing well and was also a very good actor.”
Where the cabaret group first did only performances for Gooische HBS itself, it turned out that there was also interest in the group outside the schoolyard. For example, she filled halls in ‘t Spant in Bussum and the Singer in Laren. An album was also recorded and they even came on TV, in the KRO program Cabaretaria. The young Athenozems gained national fame.
Once an Athenozem, always an Athenozem
In the end, the group turned out to be the Springboard for the career of Brandsteder. From the stage with André van Duin to presenter of programs such as Ron’s Honeymoon Quiz and let them laugh.
Yet Ron always remained an Athenozem and he regularly returned to the Gooise HBS. For example, he regularly performed with the cabaret group during reunions and anniversaries of the school. In 2011 was the 100th anniversary of the now Goois Lyceum. That was the last time that the old company was on stage again.