Gijs Naber takes forced rest and abandons lead role in Lazarus. Dragan Bakema replaces him.

Gijs Naber: "In the run-up to the rehearsal period, I came to the conclusion that I had taken on too much in recent years. A role like this deserves one hundred per cent commitment. If you find that you cannot give it, I think you owe it to your audience and your colleagues to be open about it. I am enormously pleased with the producer's understanding and am thrilled that Dragan will take over the role from me. I am convinced that the fantastic cast led by Ivo van Hove will put on a wonderful performance."

Albert Verlinde, general director and producer of Stage Entertainment Netherlands, said: "I regret enormously that Gijs is forced to hand back his role in Lazarus. We did everything we could to make it possible. But if it turns out that he cannot play this heavy role, I have great respect for an actor daring to take this difficult decision. The role of Newton requires an exceptional actor and singer. We took our time, despite the pressure, to find a rock-solid replacement for Gijs. Henry Hey, musical supervisor on behalf of David Bowie's heirs, and director Ivo van Hove unanimously chose Dragan for this role. He has all the capabilities to give shape to Newton. We are proud that he will lead the cast of Lazarus".

Dragan Bakema: "The request for me to audition for the role of Newton in Lazarus came unexpectedly, but I was immediately excited. Lazarus is a unique performance, different from anything I've seen before. Great to be a part of it. As an actor, it is a special challenge to play the fascinating character Newton. I am delighted with the trust placed in me and look forward to starting rehearsals on 2 September!"
Lazarus, the last work of David Bowie, will premiere at the DeLaMar Theatre in Amsterdam on Sunday 13 October. In addition to Bakema, Noortje Herlaar, Pieter Embrechts and Holly Mae Brood, among others, can be seen in the show directed by Ivo van Hove.