Almost a Lifetime

New production by Zorba Huisman
Following the success of *Longen*, director Zorba Huisman returns to the theatre this autumn under the banner of Toneelgroep Maastricht with her new production *Bijna een leven*. This new production features Sinem Kavus, Adham Kouta and Jack Wouterse. *Bijna een leven* is a brand-new play by Vera Morina about people in their thirties, set against the backdrop of a housing market that profoundly affects their most personal choices. The premiere will take place on Friday 2 October 2026 at PLT Heerlen. After that, *Bijna een leven* will run in theatres until 28 November.

Zorba Huisman: ‘After *Longen*, I wanted to write another story about a generation that is in the prime of life, but is increasingly finding that the world isn’t keeping pace with their desires. The housing crisis isn’t merely a backdrop here, but a force that intervenes in love, identity and the choices you think you’re free to make. Vera Morina writes about precisely this tension with great humour, insight and compassion. In Sinem Kavus, Adham Kouta and Jack Wouterse, I have found three actors who, each drawing on their own unique energy and life experience, make these characters incredibly human.’

Almost aLife
Almost a Life is a sharp, witty and moving love story about a generation expected to get ahead, whilst the ground beneath their feet is becoming increasingly expensive. During an all-consuming row, in which words are used as weapons to inflict wounds, their fate seems sealed: Yara and Milo must now go their separate ways. But her bid for a house has been rejected yet again and his tenancy agreement still has six months to run. Breaking up turns out not to be an option.

As house prices rise, waiting lists grow and certainties fade, we seem to be living in an age where housing is increasingly becoming a privilege. What begins as a practical search develops into a confrontation with the lack of stability faced by millennials. How much scope remains for personal choice when the conditions are becoming ever more restrictive? It soon becomes clear that the housing crisis has long since ceased to be solely about houses: it touches on identity, relationships, background, opportunities and the question of who can afford a future.

Almost a Life
As house prices rise, waiting lists grow and certainties fade, we seem to be living in an age where housing is increasingly becoming a privilege. What begins as a practical search develops into a confrontation with the lack of stability faced by millennials. How much scope remains for personal choice when the conditions are becoming ever more restrictive? It soon becomes clear that the housing crisis has long since ceased to be solely about houses: it touches on identity, relationships, background, opportunities and the question of who can afford a future.

Cast
Sinem Kavus has developed over recent years into a versatile creator and actor in both theatre and film. In 2021, she won a Golden Calf for her leading role in *Mocro Maffia: Meltem*. Adham Kouta is due to graduate from the Toneelacademie Maastricht in 2026 and has previously appeared with Toneelschuur Producties and ITA. Jack Wouterse is widely recognised as an actor in theatre, film and television and has an impressive track record.