On the road through theatrical Maastricht with director Zorba Huisman
Maastricht is the breeding ground of many and great talents. Musically, artistically and theatrically. With academies like the Conservatory, the Jan van Eyck and the School of Drama, Maastricht is a special and inspiring breeding ground for talent in the cultural sector. So too for Zorba Huisman, a Limburg director who is inspired by the special places in 'her' city of Maastricht. Come along on a trip and discover the hidden gems in theatrical Maastricht that inspire her every day.
Toneelacademie Maastricht
'The Drama Academy is truly a magical place, and for me it forms the basis of what inspires me in Maastricht. Here I was able to experience wonderful years in which I was formed into who I am today. Not only as a maker but certainly and above all as a human being. You find yourself in a bubble, surrounded by talented makers and in a time where you focus entirely on your development. And then also in such a special and historical environment located in the heart of Maastricht. Every now and then I go and watch the finalisations of the current students, they always manage to inspire me and I would recommend this to any visitor to Maastricht. Not only do you get to know a special and historical place, but you also discover the future talent of the Netherlands.'
Check here for current performances at the Drama Academy.
Café De Tribunal
'When you have attended a performance of the Drama Academy, you almost cannot escape it; you have to stop by Café de Tribunal. This is the Academy's regular café just a stone's throw from the school's old gates. This is where students, teachers, graduates and also locals congregate. During the day, it is a fine and embracing environment, with pictures of well-known alumni on the wall and a mix of peanut shells and sand on the floor. On Thursday nights, people dance on the tables and the old bell above the bar rings loud and clear between the music. You always find special people there, and can and, moreover, just delicious burgundy food.'
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Café De Tribunal
Café De Tribunal
Lumière Cinema
'Film house Lumière is a great movie theatre, located in an old carpentry factory. This is the place I visit when I am in need of distraction or a special surprise. The film house's programming varies in a way that there is always a film to suit the mood of the moment. Besides the latest arthouse, classics, Oscar winners and documentaries, Lumière also does special screenings. For instance, I got to enjoy myself there at the premiere of my dear friend Luka Kluskens' first short film: Like a shadow you kept me. A Limburg actress and creator of whom you will undoubtedly hear more.'
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Lumière Cinema
Lumière Cinema
With six theatres and an atmospheric Grand Café, Lumière Cinema is the place for the exceptional film in Maastricht. More info on Lumière Cinema
The Hall of Plates - and Toneelgroep Maastricht
'Toneelgroep Maastricht (TGM) is the city company of Maastricht, but for me the company is so much more. Of course it is a dear place for me because it is the place where I am now allowed to continue to grow as a maker under the guidance of directors and artistic thinkers who inspire me, but in addition I find the track TGM is on an interesting path that excites me. They combine the classical with the contemporary and know how to transform what is alive today into narratives that need to be told now. The work of director and artistic director Michel Sluysmans is a good example. He often directs classic plays by writers such as Chekhov, but in a form and narrative that is so connected to our times that it strongly touches me as a viewer. TGM not only produces theatre productions, but also films and is located in the extraordinary Bordenhal'.
Check the cultural events calendar for a list of Toneelgroep Maastricht's performances and activities in Maastricht.
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Theater de Bordenhal
Theater de Bordenhal
De Bordenhal is the theatre of Toneelgroep Maastricht, located in the former factory building of the same name on the east bank of the river Maas in Maastricht. More info about Theater de Bordenhal
Maastricht Academy of Music
'Of course I can recommend many more places like AINSI, Theater aan het Vrijthof and the Fotomuseum, but for my last tip I would especially like to mention the Maastricht Conservatory. A place I often end up at at the end of the day after a walk through the Stadspark. Opposite the historic city wall and built over the river Jeker, this is an extraordinary building filled with music. As you walk through the Jeker Quarter and approach the building, you can hear the various rehearsals and performances getting louder. I often then stop at the old mill opposite the building and listen from a distance to all the different musical lines accompanied by the sound of the flowing Jeker. A place with a great atmosphere and definitely worth visiting once.'
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Maastricht Academy of Music
Maastricht Academy of Music
Internationally-oriented conservatoire with students and (guest) teachers from all over the world. More about Maastricht Academy of Music
View Zorba's favourites on the map
This article was written by Zorba Huisman. She trained as a director at the prestigious Toneelacademie Maastricht. During her training, she first became acquainted with theatre, film and documentary. An acquaintance that resulted in documentaries like Claiming to be The Original and Brieven aan de Hemel, both to be seen on 2doc.nl After graduating, Zorba joined the artistic core of Toneelgroep Maastricht as a young talent.
