The life and legacy of Aletta Jacobs, a pioneering Dutch physician and feminist, are taking center stage with a new musical production currently captivating audiences. The show, simply titled “Aletta,” isn’t just a historical retelling. critics are calling it a strikingly relevant exploration of the ongoing fight for gender equality, resonating deeply with contemporary audiences. The production opened to positive reviews, with many praising its blend of humor and poignant reflection on the challenges Jacobs faced – and the battles that continue today.
Jacobs, born in 1854 and passing away in 1929, broke numerous barriers throughout her life. She was the first woman to graduate from a Dutch university, becoming a doctor at a time when the medical field was overwhelmingly male-dominated. Beyond her medical practice, she championed women’s rights, advocating for access to education, contraception – introducing the pessarium as a method of birth control – and, crucially, the right to vote. Her activism extended to the international stage, even presenting a vision for what would become the United Nations to U.S. President Woodrow Wilson in 1915, according to historical records.
The musical, a collaboration between Theater Oostpool and TEC Entertainment, traces Jacobs’ life chronologically, from her determined youth in Hoogezand-Sappemeer to her impactful work as a physician and activist. A key moment highlighted in the production, and widely reported, is Jacobs’ frustration with the slow pace of progress even in 1903, prompting her to famously exclaim, “Jongens, kom op met die gendergelijkheid, het is 1903!” (“Boys, come on with gender equality, it’s 1903!”), a line that has become emblematic of the show’s message.
The creative team, led by writer Nathan Vecht and director Daria Bukvić, deliberately chose to infuse the production with humor, drawing inspiration from contemporary musical hits like Hamilton and The Book of Mormon. Vecht explained that comedy is an effective tool for exposing the absurdity of arguments used to justify inequality. The musical doesn’t shy away from depicting the ridicule and resistance Jacobs encountered, such as being mocked by male colleagues at university and facing skepticism when charging the same fees as her male counterparts.
The production also delves into Jacobs’ medical work, showcasing her dedication to providing care to marginalized communities, including sex workers in the Jordaan district of Amsterdam, where she offered free healthcare and education about contraception. A satirical scene depicts male anatomy students struggling to identify the clitoris, highlighting the historical lack of knowledge surrounding women’s bodies.
While Aletta Jacobs is often remembered for her fight for women’s suffrage, the musical also emphasizes her collaborative spirit. The production highlights her partnerships with men, including her father, liberal politicians, and her husband, Carel Victor Gerritsen, demonstrating that her struggle wasn’t solely anti-male. Her sister, Charlotte Jacobs, also played a significant role in the early feminist movement, though she is less widely known, having moved to Batavia in the Dutch East Indies and not documenting her life as extensively as Aletta did. Both sisters were the first women to study at a Dutch university, according to De Verhalen van Groningen.
The musical is currently playing at DeLaMar in Amsterdam, with performances scheduled through May 10th, and also at Schouwburg Amstelveen from April 17th to 18th. The production has been praised for its accessibility, even attracting audiences who might not typically engage with feminist themes, with one review noting it’s “also fun for ‘people in possession of a penis’” according to AD.nl.
“Aletta” serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for gender equality and the enduring relevance of Jacobs’ work. As the musical continues its run, it’s sparking conversations about the challenges women still face and inspiring audiences to continue the fight for a more equitable future. The production’s success suggests a renewed interest in celebrating the lives and contributions of often-overlooked female figures in history.
What will be the long-term impact of this renewed focus on Aletta Jacobs’ life and work? Only time will tell, but the musical’s enthusiastic reception indicates a growing appetite for stories that celebrate female empowerment and challenge societal norms. Share your thoughts on the musical and Aletta Jacobs’ legacy in the comments below.
