Theater group ‘t Fortuintheater in Wervershoof is playing performances of the play ‘De Kaaljakkers’ this weekend. The performances are a tribute to Tiny Aker and Dick Pronk. The former prompter and founder of the company have both passed away. It is Pronk’s last wish to perform the play after all. “His family will also be in the audience tomorrow,” says actor Dick Sijm. “It will be a very special evening.”
Dick Pronk was a member of the theater group Europa from Wervershoof, but because he wanted to direct a play himself, he founded ‘t Fortuintheater. With Willem Verlaat and Dick Sijm he formed a group that played plays by ‘Het Volk’, a theater group from Haarlem, in dialect. The pieces have been translated into West Frisian by Sjaak Steltenpool.
“That has generated a lot of positive reactions at previous performances of other pieces,” Sijm explains. “It gives a different dimension to the theater performances, and people also buy a ticket specifically to hear us play in West Frisian.”
Last wish is fulfilled
The play ‘De Kaaljakkers’ was actually supposed to be performed two years ago. “But corona had to put an end to that. After that, our prompter Tiny Aker, and also founder Dick Pronk, died,” says Sijm. “It was his last wish to perform this absurdist piece.”
‘t Fortuintheater has asked Michel Snip to replace the former player and director. He is no stranger to the company, having participated in previously performed plays. “We clicked very well. Although we wondered for a while whether we should perform the play, but because Dick really wanted to do it, we decided to do it. It feels very mixed.”
Evening with a special edge
Tomorrow promises to be a special evening. “It’s Dick’s birthday on Saturday. His family will also be in the audience when we perform the play,” says Sijm. “That will be a performance with a special edge. Dick will be close to us.” The former player and director is given a prominent place in the stage decor, with a spotlight on it.
Both Tiny and Dick died of cancer. That is why part of the ticket proceeds will be donated to the KWF. The performances are held in the Fortuintheater in Wervershoof. The shows on Saturday and Sunday afternoon are sold out. Tickets are still available for Sunday 8 p.m.