Imagine flying acrobats in front of the Nieuwe Kerk. Across from that, a pop-up bar, a fusion opera, street artists, mimes and dancing. This weekend, the historic city square, Markt, hosts Mooi Weer Spelen, the festival of good weather and street theatre.
Delen
“Mooi Weer Spelen literally translates to Beautiful Weather Playing and that’s what this event is about, getting the community out to celebrate the weather,” said Els Brouwer, the festival leader.
Held on Saturday, June 21 and Sunday, June 22, the line-up of performers has been chosen to be the perfect kick-back for a weekend. On Saturday events begin around 20:00 and acts include a man who plays his hat as a saxophone and puppets playing trumpets. Around 23:00 that evening there will be a performance by professional choreographer Lloyd Morengo followed by a fusion of a modern dance and an opera. On Sunday things kick-off at 14:00 and day’s events include an air borne performance by professional acrobats from Bencha Theatre. Colourful and dramatic, this is a kind of new circus that combines aerial acrobatics with music and dance.
“By hosting it at the Markt we are trying to create a real festive atmosphere right in the centre of the city. An architectural designer is working on making the ambience festive. We will have Delft Blue tulips on the lanterns and an open tent with a bar people are welcome to come and have a drink while they wait for the events to begin,” said Brouwer.
The festival originally began twenty-seven years ago at the Boterbrug and was an annual event on the local calendar until 2012. Soon after they held twenty-fifth anniversary festival in 2012, the organisers were forced to take a sabbatical. “Everything had been severely impacted by the recession and we had to take a one year sabbatical to assess our next step,” said Brouwer.
Earlier avatars of the festival were held at multiple venues across town, however this time events will be limited to the Markt.
The festival is free and everyone is welcome. “Most performances are street theatre and don’t have too many words. So, language will not be a problem at all.”
Volunteers are an integral part of the organising committee and the organisers are hopeful that next year some internationals from Delft will also be part of their crew. “We’d love to get more volunteers, especially for next year. More international volunteers will bring their own ideas and inputs and make the festival more global. Just apply on our website via the form available there,” said Brouwer.
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