Read and listen this summer, live at PLT next season
During the summer, many people make a bit more time for themselves. A good book in the garden. A podcast whilst out for a walk or on the way to your holiday destination.
An extra treat: many of the writers and podcast creators you can discover this summer will also be performing live on stage at PLT next theatre season. So you can read or listen to their story first, and then experience it in the theatre.
From book to theatre
Marcia Luyten – Choosing democracy
Elections were not designed for the age of fake news and AI-generated images. Marcia Luyten, known from the TV programme *Buitenhof* and her *Volkskrant* columns, shows how democracy is coming under pressure and how we can find our way back to its foundations. Come and see her in the theatre lecture *Choosing Democracy*, on Tuesday 15 September at Theater Heerlen.
Mélissa Da Costa – All the blue of the sky
When Emile is diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s, he chooses not to go to hospital, but to hit the road. In a camper van, with an unknown travelling companion by his side, he sets out to discover what is still possible when the future becomes uncertain. This moving play, featuring music and performances by Buddy Vedder and Shelley Bos, can be seen in All the Blue of the Sky. Both performances are sold out: join the waiting list, and we’ll do our best to book an extra performance.
Teun van de Keuken – Animals are people too
Why do we eat animals, when we know how much suffering this causes? Teun van de Keuken explores this question and discovers how lobbies, marketing ploys and habits continue to tempt us towards meat, despite the harm it causes to people, animals and the environment. Confronting, yet also hopeful: a fairer food system is within reach. Hear him speak on this topic in the theatre lecture *How the meat industry tricks you*, alongside Kees Foekema.
Bonus: do you love food, cooking and a good chat? Have a listen to Teun’s podcast *Etenstijd!*, with Yvette van Boven
Jacques Vriens – Baron 1898 (6+)
When Jochem helps the adventurer Gustave cross the dangerous Marshy Heath, he has no idea that he is setting a curse in motion. Years later, Gustave returns, not as a friend but as the cold-hearted Baron Hooghmoed, who pretends he has never met Jochem and Doortje before. His gold mine lures villagers deep underground, but whoever descends emerges deathly pale. Why does Jochem go with the baron into the darkness anyway? Perfect for reading aloud together; for children aged 6 and over, also available as a family musical: Efteling Tells… Baron 1898.
Carry Slee – Miss Braaksel (6+)
At first glance, it’s just an ordinary school. But nothing is as it seems, because Headmistress Braaksel is up to something. Lotte and Thijs keep finding clever ways to thwart her plans, much to the delight of thousands of children who are already familiar with Carry Slee’s popular book series. From 21 October, it can also be seen as Miss Braaksel – The Musical, followed by a meet-and-greet with the cast.
Saskia Noort - De Verbouwing
Following the success of Nieuwe Buren, on Wednesday 31 March 2027 you can once again see a gripping thriller by bestselling author Saskia Noort on stage. Starring top actors Isa Hoes and Edwin Jonker in the lead roles.
In De Verbouwing, Isa Hoes plays Mathilde, a plastic surgeon who seemingly has it all: a family and a thriving career. But behind that façade, everything is crumbling. Whilst Mathilde opens her brand-new, ultra-modern private clinic, her own home lies in ruins due to a renovation project that has gone completely off the rails. Her husband Rogier is struggling with burnout, and their daughter escapes the chaos by retreating to the garden shed. When Mathilde enlists the help of her dubious ex, Johan, she becomes entangled in a dangerous web of lies and betrayal.
From podcast to theatre
All of History Ever – Nynke de Jong, Arco Gnocchi, Thom Aalmoes & Andrea Huntjens
From Napoleon to Aletta Jacobs: who can truly call themselves the greatest figure in history? The creators of the popular podcast ‘All of History Ever’, listened to by tens of thousands every week, set out to find the answer in a dazzling theatre show full of compelling stories and bizarre characters. Experience it live in *The Great Names of History* show.
Napleiten – Wouter Laumans & Christian Flokstra
Where does the line between guilt and innocence lie? In the popular podcast Napleiten, followed weekly by 150,000 listeners, crime journalist Wouter Laumans and criminal defence lawyer Christian Flokstra delve deep into high-profile criminal cases. Live on air, they join a regional guest to discuss a case that hasn’t been covered before, and the stories behind the headlines. Watch it on Napleiten Live, on 10 October and 25 March.
Michael Pilarczyk – Peace of Mind
Are you living the life you truly want, or are you being swept along by the issues of the day? In his podcast ‘Peace of Mind’, Michael Pilarczyk talks to well-known guests and experts about mental health, finding meaning and personal development. He brings this same art of living to life on stage, sharing personal stories and practical insights into peace of mind, focus and the courage to follow your own path. To be seen in the theatre evening MasterMinds
I don’t like musicals!
The musical is perhaps the most talked-about genre in theatre: people either love it or hate it. In the new AVROTROS podcast I don’t like musicals!, Freek Bartels and Brigitte Heitzer explore where this division comes from. Drawing on their own love for the genre, they delve into the world of musicals alongside all your favourite musical stars.
In each episode, Freek and Brigitte discuss what makes musicals so special. They share personal stories, behind-the-scenes anecdotes and observations on topics such as the artistic appreciation of musicals, the creative process behind an original Dutch musical, the audition process and the various roles within a musical.
Read, listen and experience
A book or podcast often takes on even greater meaning when you meet the creator in person. At the theatre, you’ll hear the stories behind the story, ask new questions and enjoy an evening that you simply can’t get from a book or through headphones. Perhaps this summer is the perfect time to get to know them. Then you’ll see the writer or podcast creator back on stage at PLT next season.