Happy faces, a reunion with old friends, water, cake and a magical moment that closed the day with a golden edge. On Wednesday, the Stadslab on the Indiëterrein in Almelo was the stage for the press presentation of the theatre performance Van Katoen en Water.
The headline is off. Wednesday marked the start of a unique urban musical that is already captivating Almelo and the surrounding area. The cast, ensemble, choir members, orchestra, volunteers and the team behind Van Katoen en Water presented themselves during the official press day at the Indiëterrein in Almelo; also the place where Van Katoen en Water is set from 24 August to 11 September.
'I enjoy this intensely'
After reuniting with old acquaintances and welcoming new faces, the cast also prepared for its first rehearsal this day. Van Katoen en Water takes visitors on a special journey through Almelo's city history. Actor Laus Steenbeeke plays the role of the slightly confused city archivist Bertus. From his deathbed, he lives through the city's turbulent past. ''Bertus describes events as if he had been there himself,'' says Steenbeeke, who also introduced his two little dogs to the phenomenon of theatre. Acting together in a Twente location spectacle like Van Katoen en Water, he enjoys it intensely.
Baptising boat
Director Anne de Blok takes those present through the creation of Van Katoen en Water. Her enthusiasm is palpable, her talented hands are itching to make this urban musical a great success that will resonate in Almelo and its surroundings for a long time to come. Twente suits her. Twente is together, something that became clear once again during the delicious communal dinner at the Theaterhotel in Almelo. Shortly before, by the way, the official starting shot was given; with water from main sponsor VivoChem, Bertus' drill was baptised.
'Totally moved'
That Van Katoen en Water is more than just a theatre performance was particularly emphasised in the evening. The Indië grounds filled up with members of the ensemble, the choir, the orchestra as well as dozens of volunteers, which is just the tip of the iceberg. The bulk attend every year. A Twente city musical of this magnitude is supported by the entire Almelo community. Finally, singers and actresses Merel Kappenburg and Jip Wassenberg treated those present to a strong display of singing. To top it off, the entire ensemble sang along to the final notes. Unexpectedly beautiful. A magical moment. ,,I will never forget this, said Merel Kappenburg. ,,I was totally moved.''
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