Willem II

This royal comedy focuses on our mysterious King Willem II (1792-1849). Was he the heroic general of the doubting monarch? The flamboyant bon vivant of the political bigot? We delve into the life of perhaps the most fascinating king the Netherlands has ever had. With sharp humor, historical surprises and a considerable dose of absurdism, we tell the story of a man who wanted to be great, but sometimes stumbled over his own shadow. Expect an ambiguous, dazzling performance in which seriousness and satire go hand in hand – just like with Willem II himself.

In the turbulent historical context of revolutions, wars, takeovers and toxic family relationships, this king wanted to rage, experiment and, above all, be loved. He scattered money and promises. Forgotten, maligned, unloved and perhaps smoothly hidden in the black pages of history, the versatile Sanne den Hartogh (NITE) brings our ‘hero of Waterloo’ back to life in the musical and exuberant music theater performance. Flanked by a full range of family, confidants and court, with special roles for father Willem I, nymphomaniac sister Marianne, schemer Guardian Angel and iconic woman Anna Paulowna.

Immerse yourself in this absurd, historical and rich theater experience, against the backdrop of the magical Amsterdam forest, because the influence of this ‘wild one’ on the Netherlands and all of us is still greater than we think and even extends to the creation of the constitution as we still have it today.

English subtitles:
English subtitles are available on thursdays. Select ‘Ticket with English subtitles’ in the ticket selection.