Time masterclass: 16:45-18:00
Language Masterclass: Dutch
Masterclass
In the masterclass, Erik Whien explores layered dialogues from classical-modern repertoire together with the actors. The six talents work in two groups, each consisting of two actors and one directing student. Erik Whien shares his theatrical vision, challenges the actors in their performances, and lets them experience how directing and acting can enhance each other.
Talenten
From the Amsterdam Theatre & Kleinkunst Academy and ArtEZ, where promising young theatre makers come together, an ensemble has been selected. Director Agnes Jung Lassen, originally from Denmark and a graduate of the Amsterdam Academy of Theatre and Dance, combines political and sociological themes with personal narratives, creating montage-like performances about youth, body ideals, sexuality, and dating culture. Director Johanne Fridahl Willman explores love, violence, tragedy, and humor through absurdity, physicality, and symbolism, and has worked in Danish theatre, including at the Royal Danish Theatre. Actor Koen Bordewijk, a graduate of ArtEZ in Arnhem, focuses on language and text, writing and performing surrealist works such as De Wetweter (Café Theater Festival). Actress Iris van Loen studies at the Amsterdam Theatre & Kleinkunst Academy and has worked with Elsie de Brauw and Abdel Daoui, recently touring a French chanson production. Actor-maker Joram Jiscoot combines disciplines to create innovative theatre and is driven by curiosity and connection with the audience. Actress Zoë van der Velde, a graduate of ArtEZ, is a musical and physical performer expanding female roles and exploring complex themes, with theatre offering space for connection and recognition.
Erik Whien
Erik Whien (1978) is a respected Dutch theatre director, known for his precise text direction and psychologically layered productions. He graduated from the Maastricht Theatre Academy in 2000 and subsequently worked with several theatre companies. From 2008 to 2013, he was part of the creative core of Toneelgroep Oostpool, where he directed productions including Waiting for Godot and works by Chekhov.
He then became a resident maker at Toneelschuur Producties, where he directed Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?. The production earned a Louis d’Or for Jacob Derwig and a Colombina for Kirsten Mulder, and was selected for the Dutch Theatre Festival. From 2016, he joined the makers’ ensemble at Theater Rotterdam, where he directed productions such as Revolutionary Road. His later works — Slachthuis Vijf, Sea Wall, and A Case for the Existence of God — have also been selected for the Dutch Theatre Festival. Frequently awarded for his work, he enjoys widespread recognition.
Since 2021, Whien has been the resident director at Het Nationale Theater in The Hague. In the current season, he is directing the Shakespearean classic Hamlet, featuring Hannah Hoekstra, Jacob Derwig, and Roman Derwig, with father and son Derwig together in one of the most talked-about productions of the season.
Whien directs productions that carefully explore human relationships and emotions, with a keen eye for text and ensemble work, and he brings both classical repertoire and contemporary drama to the stage in a clear and meaningful way.
Information
More information on Erik Whien
More information on Hamlet door Erik Whien
More information on de Amsterdamse Toneelschool
More information on de Academie voor Theater en Dans
Photography portrait Erik Whien: © Linda Selg/de Volkskrant
