I tell you here why you should go to see Parsifal, and not even just because of Anish Kapoor's object that plays a part in it. And you could also go to theatre one day, by the way. With The Girls. Fierce theatre by our very best theatre company (according to Americans).
The National Opera, Parsifal (opera)
Four years ago, I visited Pierre Audi's staging From Wagner's last opera Parisfal. Of these, I remember Anish Kapoor's enormous mirror. Completely overshadowed by the literally breathtakingly beautiful sounds from the orchestra pit and from the choir. Disappointing, then? No, rather the opposite proved true: Audi brings Wagner's Bühnenweihfestspiel back to the core, provides the minimal action with the same minimal staging that does not distract from the music for a second.
Scapino Ballet, PABLO (dance)
There is nothing at all wrong with yet another Nutcracker or Swan Lake in 'the dark days before Christmas'. But just when that phrase starts to get boring at some point, you want another large-scale dance performance with a big orchestra in December. With a new story. A Spanish story other than the one in which St Nicholas plays the leading role. Spanish choreographer Marcos Morau follows Picasso's life in Spain and France during the Franco dictatorship and the World Wars. "If you have seen the performance, you probably look at Picasso and his work differently. And at how genius he was."
Dutch Travel Opera, Singing along Messiah (oratorio)
The success last year must have surprised even the Dutch Travel Opera. A Messiah in the month when it rains or snows of performances of Handel's beloved oratorio. On a day when there were no less than two competing performances to admire in Amsterdam. And yet Carré was packed. The secret? Being allowed to sing along. But with a semi-professional choir, outstanding soloists and an orchestra that had just risen from the ashes. Most miraculous? It actually sounded good. Those who attended last year will want to attend again this year. And those who don't dare to sing along? Who does like the silent monks, although that takes more practice than singing along
Toneelgroep Amsterdam, The girls (stage)
It was about time again that a piece by Jean Genet - immortalised by David Bowie in 'The Jean Genie' though few people will immediately make that link - is being staged in our country. For The girls (1947), Genet was inspired by a stirring historical event from 1933: the two Sapin sisters killed their two mistresses with a hammer and a knife after years of loyal service. The play is directed by now no stranger to our country, Katie Mitchell. "The piece may be 70 years old, but it is politically relevant when you look at how many women from poor countries are still doing low-skilled work with well-off middle-class European women."
De Toneelmakerij, Jazz duzz (youth)
"Jazz is. Jazz is alive. Happens. Moves. Jazz takes. Jazz gives. Jazz knows. Jazz speaks. Jazz does. Jazz leaves. Jazz comes. Jazz goes" and then a whole lot more in Deelder's 'Jazz'. But jazz in a musical theatre performance for children? And then not the easily reviled dixieland variety or the slippery commercial one, no, straight to hardcore with Dizzy. De Toneelmakerij, last year's winner of the 2015 Zapp Theaterprijs and the Gouden Krekel for most impressive youth theatre production with The aunts and currently also very successful with Nice! just dares. Duzz!
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