Utrecht, June 2025 - Every year, NUT (Nieuw Utrechts Toneel) examines the future of a particular theme, and in 2025 they return to capital with a capital K. They already took an in-depth look at this theme in 2023, but now it is time for a sequel. Because money is the cause of many of our problems, but also often the solution. In three performances and a 'gift shop' at Oerol, theatre-makers, scientists, writers, artists and wealthy people examine the role of capital in our society.
How much does it cost to make someone debt-free and who is actually responsible for it? Does money buy happiness? Is our capitalist system coming to an end (or are we just at the beginning)? What is the biggest mistake you can make with money? And what is the right thing to do? In three new performances and an exhibition, NUT explores these questions: The Capitalists, Promise is debt, Cloth for bleeding and The Giftshop. Like previous successful productions, such as The Futurists and Good gold money, the NUT continues its socially critical tradition. All three performances plus expo can be seen at Oerol, Terschelling and then in Leidsche Rijn, Utrecht.
Drapery, a shabby piece of art
At Cloth for bleeding five actors compete with the best of intentions for the audience's mercy. Not for themselves, but to save poor homeless William. It is a musical tragicomic theatre performance that gives the audience an insight into the world of poverty, homelessness and its absurdity. Willem's suffering is translated into a story with the aim of improving it. But is it ethical to exhibit this poverty or is it at the expense of the dignity of those whose stories are being told?
Promise Makes Guilt, a performance about debt, expectations and responsibility around capital
At Promise is debt engage theatre-maker Greg Nottrot and writer, playwright and The Smartest Man-winner Martin Rombouts in search of the answer to the question: how can you save the world with 120,000 euros?
Two years ago, Nottot began a quest for surplus capital at Oerol with the performance Good, gold money where he met Rombouts. In this performance, Nottrot relieved people of their excess, and now that money is there. But what do you do with it? What responsibility does having wealth bring? Greg and Martin try to answer the question of how we deal with the responsibility of our wealth and the guilt that comes with money and expectations.
The Capitalists, eight recommendations for a new capitalist system
In Capitalists, eight theatre-makers meet visionary wealthy people and experts in eight episodes to explore a new form of capitalism. In this scintillating, theatrical talk show led by Greg Nottrot and Elke van Boxmeer with conversations, songs and varied scenes, they seek answers to questions such as: How do I get rich? How do I get rid of my debts (or guilt)? And how do we save the world from destruction?
From Oerol to Leidsche Rijn
In Leidsche Rijn from 2 to 6 July, the result of this quest can be seen in a full-length performance: Promise is debt and the Capitalists together in one programme. Includes a fries with. Cloth for bleeding is part of a special anniversary programme celebrating Podium Hoge Woerd's 10th anniversary, which includes a three-course dinner.
The Giftshop
In addition to the theatre performances, The Giftshop along: a museum shop selling art to pay off someone else's debts. In collaboration with illustrator and designer Mart Veldhuis who, with his tapestry Own Guilt repaid his student debt. In The Giftshop you don't just buy art and merchandise - you directly contribute to paying off other people's debts.
Info about the performances
Where and when to see it?
- Oerol Festival 13 to 22 June - Drapery, Promise is Debt and the Capitalists
- Berlinplein, Leidsche Rijn (Utrecht) 2 to 6 July - Promise is debt & The Capitalists
- Podium Hoge Woerd 4 to 21 September and then theatre tour - Cloth for bleeding
- The Gift Shop travels with all performances
The Capitalists
The Capitalists is a co-production of the NUT and De Nwe Tijd.
Music and lyrics: Frank Van Kasteren, Démira Jansen, Mark Kraan, Marcel Osterop, Jibbe Willems, Freek Vielen, Elvis de Launay, Suzanne Grotenhuis and Rebekka de Wit.
Directed by Greg Nottrot
Talkshow host: Elke van Boxmeer and Greg Nottrot
Editor: Cornelis van der Plas
Day Guests Talkshow:
- Day guest Friday 13 June Boris Veldhuijzen van Zanten
- Day guest Saturday 14 June Jacqueline van den Ende
- Day guest Sunday 15 June Denise Harleman
- Day guest Tuesday 17 June Ralf Embrechts
- Day guest Wednesday 18 June Ester Barendregt
- Day guest Thursday 19 June Michel Scholte
- Day guest Friday 20 June Rens van Tilburg
- Day guest Saturday 21 June Jitske Kramer
Promise is debt
Play and lyrics: Greg Nottrot and Martin Rombouts
Directed by Martijn Nieuwerf
Cloth for bleeding
A co-production of: George Tobal Productions & the NUT
Text: George Tobal
Directed by Greg Nottrot
Music and acting: Milan Sekeris
Play: Yasmina Abdelmoumen, Michiel Blankwaardt, Kiki van Deursen and George Tobal / Greg Nottrot (alternating)
