ROTTERDAM – After two years, René Geerlings and Maas theater en dans are parting ways. Since taking on the role of artistic director-manager in 2020, Geerlings has guided the company on an artistic path that brought together youth theatre, social engagement, experimentation, and diversity of voices. Under his leadership, among other things, Maas theater en dans has further developed as a place where young people are central, new perspectives are made visible, and encounters between the queer community, creators, and audiences have become a natural part of the artistic profile.
Geerlings increased the international visibility of Maas theatre and dance. The toddler performance BullyBully grew into an international success, was awarded a Silver Cricket and received adaptations in Turkey and Finland. Also The Wizard of Oz, which brought together queer perspectives, music and theatre, was a defining performance from this period.
René Geerlings: “For me, Maas has always been a place where wonder, playfulness, and social urgency can meet. A place where young people feel seen, where creators are allowed to take risks, and where there is room for stories and forms that aren't always told or shown as a matter of course. I look back with pride on everything we've built together. On the performances, the creators, the staff, the partners, and especially on the audience, who challenged and inspired us time and again. I am incredibly grateful to everyone who was part of this journey.”
Maas theatre and dance and René Geerlings look back with appreciation on what has been built together and look forward with confidence to the future, in which Maas will continue to make space for new generations of creators, children, young people and audiences.
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