All the city’s a stage during Amsterdam’s Holland Festival.
It’s all about performance in Amsterdam—at least until June 23—as the Holland Festival takes over almost every venue in town. Theatre, dance and musical performances range from highbrow to hip (As Big as the Sky, a new contemporary opera on the rise of China, designed by Chinese artist Ai WeiWei is a highlight this year). With several events daily, including spectacular headline events, there’s something for everyone. Check out the full program, and find ticket info here.
The silent movie era inspired the Dutch National Opera’s new production of Lulu, Alban Berg’s piece about the femme fatale who comes to an inevitable tragic end. In this production, directed by South African artist William Kentridge, German soprano Mojca Erdmann reprises the title role, following her recent acclaimed performance for Berlin’s Staatsoper (until June 28).
Cool Britannia combines breathtaking contemporary ballet pieces by three youthful British talents performed by the acclaimed Dutch National Ballet. McGregor’s contemporary classic Chroma (performed to an orchestral arrangement of rock tracks by The White Stripes) is joined by two world premieres: Empire Noir by David Dawson and New Creation by Christopher Weeldon (June 17 – June 27).
You don’t have to buy a ticket to be a part of the festival. Just head to Museumplein, where British artist Liam Gillick has pitched a free, open-air exhibition. His series of large, ‘put-your-head-in-the-hole’ panels is based on drawings by Russian artist Malevich in the Stedelijk Museum collection. The installation, partly intended as an antidote to selfie culture, invites you take a unique photo and share it.
More good reads from T+L:
• What to Eat at 2015’s “Taste of Amsterdam”
• Sweden’s Most Perfect Season Is (Finally!) Here
• 25 Trips of a Lifetime
