Director Erik Whien to move to ITA in 2029
Director Erik Whien will leave Theater Rotterdam as an associate artist at the end of 2028, when the current arts funding period comes to an end. Until then, he will continue to create one production a year at Theater Rotterdam. From 2029 onwards, Erik will create one production a year at Internationaal Theater Amsterdam (ITA) and join its artistic team.
Erik Whien: "This current arts funding period is already my third as a resident director at Theater Rotterdam. That means that by the time I leave, I will have been part of one of the most remarkable theatre companies in the Netherlands for twelve years. I grew up here as an artist. Theater Rotterdam is the place where I have spent the longest period of my career as a theatre-maker. Working here has genuinely been a joy. The people, the auditoriums, the city: they have all become part of my theatrical DNA. I will carry a number of productions with me forever, including Verdriet is het ding met veren, Slachthuis vijf, A Case for the Existence of God and Hamlet.
But I also believe in movement. As an artist, it is vital. So I am hugely looking forward to joining ITA. Of course, I have known the company for a very long time, ever since I first became involved in theatre. The wealth of experience and expertise there is extraordinary. And ever since Eline Arbo took the helm, I have been following everything closely.
Eline and I know each other well, and I find both her artistry and her way of working inspiring. Close to the rehearsal room, working together with the actors, with a great love of language and music. I think I will feel very much at home there as a director. I am incredibly curious about the ensemble, the organisation and the city."
Alida Dors: “Twelve years is quite a long time in a person’s life. I am grateful to Erik for the trust he showed in me when I became artistic director. Since then, he has continued to play a vital role in shaping Theater Rotterdam into what it is today. Theatre is always in motion, and the same is true of the people who make it. I wholeheartedly wish Erik well as he takes this new step. It’s all part of the game (and we play it with grace).”
Eline Arbo: "I am very happy that Erik is joining ITA. I have admired his work since I was a student. His productions move me with their humanity, precision and imagination. His work is a wonderful match for our strong ensemble. In our conversations about making theatre, we find common ground and challenge one another. There is a great deal of mutual trust between us, and I look forward to continuing to shape ITA’s artistic development together.
With Erik joining the company, ITA is choosing to establish a long-term relationship with one of the most distinctive Dutch directors working today, alongside its international directors. His work is characterised by a sharp eye for human relationships and a particular sensitivity to the major questions of our time. His productions are both accessible and layered, allowing him to reach and move a wide audience. His distinctive artistic voice is a valuable addition to the different voices within ITA. In his new role, Erik will contribute to the company’s artistic direction, the development of new talent and the exchange between theatre-makers, actors and the Stadsschouwburg Amsterdam."
Erik Whien will make the move in January 2029 and will create several more productions at Theater Rotterdam over the coming years. He will also remain a permanent member of his own company, Bureau Vergezicht, together with Anoek Nuyens and Rebekka de Wit.
Erik Whien’s new production, Mary Jane, will premiere at Theater Rotterdam on 13 March 2027 and can be seen at Stadsschouwburg Amsterdam on 20, 21 and 22 April.
