From Sunday, September 1 through Wednesday, September 4, as part of Cultura Nova, the special musical theater performance Eldorado can be seen at the special outdoor location at Hoeve Cortenbach in Voerendaal. This performance is about a farming family that has to deal with undermining and all the other challenges of life in the Limburg countryside anno 2024. What makes the performance extra special is the cooperation of local prominent figures: mayor Wil Houben and alderman Ruud Braun both take on roles in the performance.
Topical themes
Eldorado interweaves current rural problems with humor and music, performed by a unique mix of professional actors, musicians and local amateurs. The theme touches on the core of contemporary rural problems: the romance of farm life is in sharp contrast to the reality of vacancy and crime. In Eldorado, the audience sees how a farming family balances between tradition and modern challenges, while the threat of undermining comes ever closer.
Special roles for local administrators
A striking element of Eldorado is the active participation of Mayor Wil Houben and Voerendaal alderman Ruud Braun. Their roles in the performance not only reinforce local involvement, but also symbolize the close intertwining of government and community in addressing these pressing issues. Furthermore, local brass bands, choirs and musicians shine in Eldorado. It is an invitation to think together about the future of rural areas, and how a community can meet the challenges.
About the creators
Eldorado was written by playwright Wiske Sterringa and composed by Bart van Dongen. It is directed by Roel Swanenberg. The performance was developed in collaboration with Het Zuidelijk Toneel. The production is carried by a small core of professional actors and musicians, in close collaboration with amateur musicians from the region.
This performance takes place within the framework of Intro in Situ’s anniversary year. Indeed, this year Intro in Situ celebrates its 40th anniversary.
Location theater during Cultura Nova
Besides Eldorado, there are more location performances to be seen during Cultura Nova. For example, Cirque Pardi presents the contemporary circus performance Low Cost Paradise at Bekkerveld, a poetic and visual spectacle full of traditional circus elements. On the Market in Simpelveld, L’Homme Debout’s giant puppet dances in the performance AKA, an impressive celebration of life. And in Kerkrade and Brunssum, CirkVOST brings the breathtaking aerial circus Pigments, in which acrobats create a magical spectacle for fifty minutes without touching the ground.
The 33rd edition of festival Cultura Nova will take place from Friday, August 30 to Sunday, September 8, 2024.