Prize of Criticism 2025 for Het Zuidelijk Toneel

Het Zuidelijk Toneel wins the Prize of Criticism 2025. The collected Dutch
theatre critics grant the group and its new artistic director Sarah Moeremans this honour because of a season full of rich, innovative and layered performances, making them one of the most exciting BIS institutions in the Netherlands.

Under the inspiring leadership of new artistic director Sarah Moeremans, Het Zuidelijk Toneel developed this season into one of the most exciting BIS institutions in the Netherlands. A combination of makers already attracted by Piet Menu and the best young talent invited by Moeremans formed a particularly rich, innovative and layered palette.

Stefaan Van Brabandt signed for the climax of his philosophers' series with Schopenhauer; Ada Ozdogan continued her alienating cinematic universe with Holly Goosebumps; and Silke van Kamp delivered a crushing feminist manifesto in the form of F*ck Lolita. The jubilant reviews did not lie: rarely has a BIS company experienced such an artistically successful year as Het Zuidelijk Toneel in 2024-2025.

Every year, the members of the Kring van Nederlandse Theatercritici (KNT) choose a winner of the Prize of Criticism. This may be a person, institution or initiative that has made a positive contribution to theatre, music theatre, dance, mime and/or cabaret in the past year.

The award has existed since 1967. The trophy is a bronze statuette by theatre designer and visual artist Michiel Johannes Jansen. Previous award winners were Orkater, De Warme Winkel, and Romana Vrede. The award ceremony will take place later this season at a time chosen in consultation with the winner.