De seizoenen

03 Oct '25 to 05 Oct '25

Het Nationale Theater / Eric de Vroedt

Where do you find hope in a world turned upside down? De seizoenen is a theater marathon based on Ali Smith’s novels Herfst, Winter, Lente, and Zomer. In her vibrant books, the Scottish author weaves major societal changes with intimate personal stories. Director Eric de Vroedt brings her poetic language to life in a fully immersive theater experience. In De seizoenen, you experience an entire year in just one day.

Run time 480 minutes, incl. 2 intermissions
Genre Theatre
Language Dutch

Marathon performance, incl. dinner and 2 intermission drinks

De seizoenen

Scottish author Ali Smith set out in 2016 to write four books about the changing climate. But as she began, the Brexit referendum turned her country upside down. Instead, she wrote four sharp, poetic novels about the political and social upheavals of the time—fake news, climate change, the refugee crisis, COVID-19, Trump. Amidst all this chaos, she finds hope in intimate stories, art, nature, and activism. We follow seventeen unconventional characters who meet in the most unexpected ways, form deep friendships, and change each other’s lives forever. De seizoenen is a dizzying theatrical journey filled with heartwarming friendships, vivid nature imagery, forgotten artists, and inspiring resistance.

All-inclusive theater experience with seasonal dishes
Immerse yourself in a seven-hour sensory journey through the seasons.
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The afternoon begins with Autumn, followed by a creamy parsnip soup with sage and a slice of bread. During the break between Winter and Spring, you’ll be served a light, refreshing meal that celebrates the flavors of the season—think new potatoes, sweet garden peas, tender sprouts, and fresh herbs. After the final part, Summer, a drink and a small surprise await you.

Allergies

Food and drinks are included with your ticket and provided by food designers Haagse Hapjes. All dishes are vegetarian and vegan, and free from lactose, eggs, nuts, and shellfish. Do you have another food allergy? Please let us know at least five days before your visit by emailing allergie@hnt.nl. Be sure to include your name, the city and date of the performance, and specify the allergy we should take into account.

Reviews

Trouw

The joy of performing is unmistakable – the eight brilliant actors of Het Nationale Theater have fully made the seventeen characters their own.

de Volkskrant

Keep your eyes wide open – this wonderfully performed theater marathon is a joy to watch and flies by in the blink of an eye.

Theaterkrant (Critic's Choice)

A theatrical masterpiece of commitment, top-level acting, crystal-clear direction – all brought to life through striking design (...) This is something you’ll never forget.

NRC

A sublime cast.

Credits

based on the books Herfst, Winter, Lente and Zomer by Ali Smith

translation Karina van Santen and Martine Vosmaer
editing and directing Eric de Vroedt
cast Mariana Aparicio, Nur Dabagh, Hein van der Heijden, Antoinette Jelgersma, Esther Scheldwacht, Betty Schuurman, Joris Smit, June Yanez

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scenography and lighting design Julian Maiwald
music Florentijn Boddendijk and Remco de Jong
costumes Lotte Goos
video design Lennert Esser
dramaturgy Willemijn Barelds, Remco van Rijn
directing assistance Chyramain van Kempen
context program Laura van Zuijlen