The city hosts Jonge Harten, a company that puts on an annual theatre festival to bring youth and theatre together. From exhibitions at the Stadsschouwburg to the Grote Markt and unique venues across the province. We spoke with theatre producer Karlijn Benthem about the festival, the importance of theatre and where else in Groningen you can find your (artistic) heart's content.
Heart for youth
''I like to put young people at the centre of theatre,'' Karlijn says. So for almost 25 years, Jonge Harten has been making a case for jeud and theatre. A better future by uniting the new generation through theatre. That is what they stand for. This takes shape in both programming and performing an annual theatre festival in the city and province.
Young people on stage, in the organisation and in the audience. Because young people are the future. ''They are in full development but at the same time are ahead in many areas. No big people telling how things should be done, but the other way around.'' Letting the youth find their way to theatre. That can sometimes be a challenge. Unknown makes unloved. Jonge Harten changes that year on year by increasing its appeal. The love continues to grow.
" ''Young people are in full development but at the same time ahead in many areas'' "
Nine days of theatre
That is why Jonge Harten makes sure there are offerings for young people. Scattered across the city and province, dozens of performances are planned during the festival. In the broadest sense of the word. From acting to interaction. With room for young makers to experiment and pieces by big names. ''There is always something that grabs your attention, that pulls you in. Whether you go to a performance often or not,'' says Karlijn.
After all, theatre does not only take place in halls, but also in places where you would not easily expect it. 'Take the Ennejansheerd in Maarhuizen. One of the places that deserves more attention, that shows the added value of the province. Makes us look at things with a different perspective. ''Theatre tells about the places where it is performed and is always in the middle of life,'' Karlijn says.
" ''Theatre in places where you wouldn't expect it' ' "
Theatre as the future
The diversity of the entire programme ensures that everyone is drawn to it. From interactive performances to city walks past young creators and even karaoke, the theatre's possibilities are as endless as your own thoughts. A morning, afternoon or evening to the theatre is therefore an addition. From everyday topics to taboos: it is discussed on stage. As a visitor, it gives you a different view of the world around you. ''A play can go in any direction, there is not just one story. The most important thing is to keep feeding your imagination,'' Karlijn explains.
Tips from Karlijn
Karlijn sees that there is always something to do in Groningen. A fine theatre city with room for art and culture. Take the Grand Theatre, for example. A place with a lot of history. Honourable to be able to make theatre there, it's very highly regarded in the world. A place to be proud of, Groningen sometimes forgets that.''
There are more places where Karlijn says she has a good time. ''I love books, cake and flowers,'' she laughs. So her first stop is Koffiestation on the Oude Kijk in 't Jatstraat. ''Have you seen that one yet? How beautiful it looks. Feel free to sit down there, they also have very good coffee. And of course that should include a piece of cake.'' Then she walks down the street, into de Nieuwe Kijk in 't Jatstraat. A picturesque shop with mostly organic flowers from the neighbourhood. ''With attention to what is beautiful. The owner is also a typical independent entrepreneur, which I love.'' And she ends the day at Bistro Boys on Folkingestraat. ''What a nice atmosphere there. I was there again on a Monday evening the other day. Approachable but super good at the same time. Like you're eating and having drinks at the same time.''
" ''Places with attention to what is beautiful' ' "
