Grondproeven site specific theatre

In the theatre trilogy Grondproeven, Titia Bouwmeester of the 5de Kwartier examines the transition of the Dutch agricultural sector. A farm shed is transformed into a kitchen, restaurant and theatre. This beautiful location production brings together delicious vegetarian food, agricultural issues, theatre and music in an evening-long performance. All of this takes place on and around the farm of an arable farmer. The piece is based on interviews with various farmers. The main theme, which is explored in many different ways, is the connection between farmers and the land, and the generational conflict over conventional and/or organic farming.

The story is about a farmer’s daughter who wants to take over her father’s traditional arable farm. At the same time, she wants to make the transition to organic farming. The play follows the ups and downs over the seven years that the transition takes. The ‘ground’ plays an important role in this story.

The lighting design for the barn where visitors watched the show while enjoying a three-course dinner required a great deal of preparation. This was due to the limited budget and power supply, and the desire to play around and between the audience to create a total experience. The decision was made to use three long trusses under the beams of the barn. With a backdrop of potato crate cubes and podiums at different heights, a space was created where, even when seated at the dining tables, you could still see the players and musicians clearly. But before the audience took their seats, there was a prologue outside in the field.

Playgrounds Grondproeven 3

Akkerbouwbedrijf Fam. Visser, Korte Molenweg 16, Oterleek
2024: Akkerbouwbedrijf Van der Bos, Holwerd.
2024: De Stadsboerderij Almere
2024: Biologische Boerderij Landzicht, Strijen

2023 Concept and direction: Titia Bouwmeester
Script: Danielle van Vree
Music composition: Ben van Bueren
Performers: Anne Fé de Boer, Rogier Schippers and Danielle van Vree.
Music: Ricardo Souza Rocha, Ted van Leeuwen and Ben van Bueren.
Stage direction: Dorien Folkers
Dramaturgy: Moniek Merkx
Lighting design: Isabel Nielen
Costume: Jookje Zweedijk
Sound & Tech: Gijs Steenbergen
Production: Aafke van der Leij
Publicity: Maartje Hagar Treep
Chefs: Tineke de Lange, Titia Bouwmeester, Kaman Chow, Merel Nolet, Linette Eveleens, Tomas Koek, Ezra Koek and Erna Koomen.
Photography: Moon Saris and Marcel Molle

With thanks to: Eventury Productions, De Karavaan and Aukes Theatertechniek.

CAST & CREW GRONDPROEVEN 2024

Concept, regie: Titia Bouwmeester | Tekst: Danielle van Vree | Muziekcompositie: Ben van Bueren | Spel: Esther Ymkje van Steenis/ Anne Fé de Boer, Rogier Schippers, Danielle van Vree | Muziek: Ben van Bueren, Ricardo Souza Rocha, Kamilė Makarevičiūtė | Spelregie: Dorien Folkers | Dramaturgie: Moniek Merkx | Koks: Tineke de Lange, Titia Bouwmeester, Kaman Chow, Merel Nolet en vele anderen | Productieleiding & Hoofd horeca: Tyche Jacobs | Lichtontwerp: Isabel Nielen  | Techniek: Gijs Steenbergen en Ted van Leeuwen | Publiciteit: Wini Weidenaar (Friesland), Maartje Hagar Treep (Flevoland en Zuid-Holland) | Zakelijke leiding: Robert Prins | Met dank aan: Kees, Anco en Bianca van der Bos (’t Witmonnikshuys, Holwerd), Tineke van den Berg, Tom, Roos en Tycho Saat (De Stadsboerderij Almere), Floor, Ageeth en Mees Visser (Boerderij Landzicht, Strijen)