From 1 April 2026, Ilonka van den Bercken will start as managing director of MATZER Theatre Productions. She succeeds Agnes Bolwiender, who will retire on 1 June 2026. Ilonka brings with her a rich background from the music world and is a perfect match for the artistic ambition and entrepreneurship MATZER is known for.
Ilonka is an experienced leader of cultural organisations. As business leader of Stiftfestival - a nine-day international chamber music festival - she led a multifaceted programme of summer, midwinter and young talent acts from 2021 to early 2026. She was also business leader of Orkest De Ereprijs, an ensemble for contemporary music, from 2023 to 2025.
“I start here with great curiosity and the energy of a new adventure. Theatre has a unique ability to hold up a mirror, show beauty and give form to what concerns us - especially in these times, this is precious. I am greatly looking forward to entering this new chapter with the company and further growing MATZER as an engaged and idiosyncratic company in the middle of the world.”
Artistic director Martine Manten is looking forward to working with Ilonka. “Ilonka is an inspired and creative thinker and I am very much looking forward to continuing to build MATZER together with her and our team. With her arrival and background in strategy, fundraising and
organisational development, Ilonka strengthens the business base from which we can fulfil our artistic mission and plans.”
Agnes Bolwiender has been with MATZER since 2020, first as business leader and from January 2025 as director-director, in which role she succeeded Madeleine Matzer - founder of the company in 2007. She guided the organisation through an important transition phase, laying a foundation for the future. MATZER is very grateful to Agnes for her years of dedication, drive and commitment.
About MATZER Theatre Productions
MATZER makes theatre that stands in the middle of society and wants to touch the heart. Our performances are topical, layered and poetic. We open up underexposed perspectives, ask stimulating questions about social developments and invite the audience to reflect and dialogue - among other things through interactive follow-up discussions. Martine Manten has been at the artistic helm since 2025. Together with core makers Lot Vekemans, Melissa Knollenburg n
Manoushka Zeegelaar Breeveld, she forms a house of makers who, within MATZER's mission, complement each other in signature and perspective. They are three makers with their own voices, who reinforce each other and work from the conviction that we as individuals can bring about change ourselves, small or large.
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