STICHTING MAE
We follow the lives of the senior students at the Catholic boarding school St. Caecilia. Central to the story are Peter and Jason, their hidden homosexual relationship, and the pressure they feel from the expectations of their surroundings. They must keep their love a secret, leading to feelings of fear, shame, and isolation. Additionally, they face the school's strict religious views, which suppress their true selves. As the group attempts to stage a production of Romeo and Juliet, tensions flare, everyone begins to doubt themselves, and finding God's path seems more challenging than ever.
BACKGROUND
Bare: A Pop Opera is an immersive musical that explores themes of forbidden love, religion, sexuality, and self-acceptance. Through powerful music and poignant lyrics, Bare: A Pop Opera confronts the audience with the challenges young people may face in forming their identity and navigating societal expectations. The story and characters challenge viewers to reflect on their own beliefs, prejudices, and the impact they can have on the lives of others.
The musical was first performed in 2000 and has since had various productions worldwide. It has acquired a dedicated fan base and is praised for its honest and candid approach to difficult subjects. Bare: A Pop Opera is a call to empathy, understanding, and change. It encourages the audience to be open to different perspectives and to engage in an inclusive dialogue about sexuality, religion, and the quest for self-acceptance. As such, Bare: A Pop Opera is not just an engaging theater experience but also a powerful catalyst for an inclusive society where everyone can be themselves, and where dialogue and understanding are central.
PRODUCTION
Bare: A Pop Opera is a Dutch-language performance. Following the overwhelming reactions to the shows on June 3 and 4, 2023, at the Gelderlandfabriek, it has been decided to have Bare: A Pop Opera go on a revival in 2024 at not one, but two locations: in the PKN Buurtkerk in Noordwijk and Theater 't Zonnehuis in Amsterdam.
PKN BUURTKERK, NOORDWIJK JUNE 1 - 2, 2024
Axel Wicke, a minister of the Protestant Church of the Netherlands, was in the audience during the performances of Bare: A Pop Opera in 2023. He is very engaged with the themes of the piece and told us immediately afterwards: "I want this show in my church." One year later, exactly that will happen. The PKN Buurtkerk is a unique location to witness this special piece!
Note: A church, in terms of architecture and furnishings, is not a theater; the stage is small and technically not equipped for a complete theater performance. Compared to the full theater performance in Theater 't Zonnehuis, we will therefore make some concessions in terms of set and lighting at this location.
THEATER 'T ZONNEHUIS JUNE 8 - 9, 2024
With its interior still in original condition, featuring characteristic Art Deco elements, Theater 't Zonnehuis seems like a time capsule into the 1930s. The intimate atmosphere of the theater fits perfectly with the story of Bare: A Pop Opera.
CAST
CAST ROMEO
Peter: Rolando Sanabria Mongelos
Jason: Jarmo van Zantwijk
Nadia: Naomi van Nieuwenhuizen
Ivy: Sarah Idrissi Sbai
Matt: Mike Kross
Tanya: Sydney Kuipers
Lucas: Rashid Dijks
Zuster Chantelle: Cherry Bakarbessy
Priester: Sven Bäcker
Claire: Daphne Groot*
Kyra: Eveline van Grootel
Zach: Tim Polder
Adam: Vincent van Eekelen
Diane: Melissa Zijsling
Rory: Daniëlle Kosterman
CAST JULIA
Peter: Rolando Sanabria Mongelos
Jason: Jarmo van Zantwijk
Nadia: Marije Slingerland
Ivy: Melissa Zijsling
Matt: Mike Kross
Tanya: Sydney Kuipers
Lucas: Rashid Dijks
Zuster Chantelle: Yvette Elonda
Priester: Sven Bäcker
Claire: Daphne Groot*
Kyra: Alcina Summers
Zach: Tim Polder
Adam: Vincent van Eekelen
Diane: Eveline van Grootel
Rory: Daniëlle Kosterman
* Daphne Groot will perform the role of Claire only on June 1st. The casting for the role on June 2nd will be announced at a later date.