Thanks to a group of rebellious squatters who took over the building 40 years ago, Grand Theatre is now a place where young theatre talent can showcase their work. Andy, a dancer, performer and theatre maker from the United States, also found his artistic freedom in Groningen. With the dance and performance company Teddy’s Last Ride, he presents theatre that is engaging, thought-provoking and, at the same time, provocative in a fresh new way. We spoke to Andy about the Grand Theatre and Groningen. He also tells us about the very best, as yet undiscovered spots in the city to catch a play.
An ambitious theatre
Andy:“Grand Theatre is an ambitious theatre where people work with passion. And a brilliant place to admire a fresh perspective on the arts. They don’t shy away from taking risks and do everything they can to support young artists. They’re truly committed to making the arts accessible again to an audience that’s more interested in digital media and screens. I’m very grateful to them for their support. I’ve ended up in a really great network here. And the market here is much less saturated than in the Randstad. There’s still room for new things here. That’s what makes Groningen so appealing to me.”
Andy’s theatre tips
"Besides Grand Theatre, I also greatly admire Club Guy & Roni. Their work is just amazing. Even further off the beaten track, I can recommend De Noorderlingen - I always enjoy seeing what they are working on. There are also some really cool art initiatives like Werc. They make tech shows where they use a lot of light installations and projections. Zuhause, by the way, is also an artist collective that's worth checking out. And don't forget to drop in at the Machinefabriek, where it's one big cultural party on Friday nights."
Groningen: the perfect vibe
“I find the city incredibly charming and friendly. It’s a special mix of young (international) students and older locals. A special combination of fresh energy and history. I’ve lived in New York and Rotterdam and have visited many big cities. Groningen has the perfect vibe. It’s lively, but there’s also plenty of space for nature. I find that really impressive. I also really love the beautiful countryside around the city.”
‘Off the beaten track’
"Here you can really still discover those small, unknown pubs and cafes. It doesn't matter what time it is, even if it's seven o'clock in the morning, that's really special. The Souffleur, for example. That's that little café next to the Stadsschouwburg. Every time I'm there, I feel like I'm on a pirate ship."
