Edwin de Vries Reflects on 15th Anniversary of “Soldaat van Oranje” Musical: Longing for Father’s Experience

Stars Align for ‘Soldaat van Oranje‘ Special on ‘Stars on Stage‘

Amsterdam, Netherlands – A highly anticipated special edition of the popular television program ‘Stars on Stage’ is set to pay tribute to the enduring legacy of the acclaimed Dutch musical ‘Soldaat van Oranje.’ The event, scheduled for September 29, 2025, will showcase a diverse lineup of performers interpreting iconic songs from the production.

The Cast Takes Center Stage

Seven prominent personalities from the Dutch entertainment scene will participate in the ‘Soldaat van Oranje’ special. Patty Brard,a well-known television personality,is among the confirmed performers. Numidia, known for her musical talent, will also grace the stage. The lineup also includes Michel Mulder, Janice Blok, Glen Faria, and others, promising a captivating array of performances.

Notably, a duet between Patty Brard and rising star Emma Kok is anticipated to be a highlight of the evening. This pairing brings together established experience and fresh vocal talent,creating an exciting dynamic for viewers.

Celebrating a Dutch Icon

‘Soldaat van Oranje’, which translates to ‘Soldier of Orange,’ is a profoundly notable musical in the Netherlands, recounting the true story of Erik Hazelhoff Roelfzema, a Dutch resistance fighter during World War II. The show’s unique staging – performed in the open air around an actual fokker aircraft – has contributed to its lasting appeal and earned widespread critical acclaim.

Edwin de Vries, the creator of ‘Soldaat van Oranje,’ recently commemorated the musical’s 15th anniversary, expressing his wish that his late father could have witnessed its success. The enduring popularity of the production speaks to its powerful message and cultural relevance.

Performer	Known For
Patty Brard	Television Personality
Numidia	musical Talent
Michel Mulder	Speed Skating & Entertainment
Janice Blok	Model and television Presenter
glen Faria	Singer-Songwriter
Emma Kok	Rising Vocal Star

Did You Know? ‘soldaat van Oranje’ has been performed over 2,000 times and seen by over 2.5 million spectators, solidifying its status as one of the Netherlands’ most successful musicals.

pro Tip: For those unfamiliar wiht the story, researching Erik Hazelhoff Roelfzema’s life will add a deeper layer of appreciation when watching the special.

The Enduring Power of Musical Theatre

Musical theatre continues to thrive as a powerful medium for storytelling and emotional connection. From Broadway to the west End and beyond, productions like ‘Soldaat van Oranje’ demonstrate the ability of live performance to captivate audiences and preserve ancient narratives. In 2024, the global theatrical market was valued at approximately $89.85 billion, with projections for continued growth, fueled by innovation and a renewed appreciation for shared experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions About ‘Stars on Stage: Soldaat van Oranje’ Special

Will you be tuning in to watch this special tribute to a Dutch cultural treasure? What songs from ‘Soldaat van Oranje’ would you like to see performed?

How did Edwin de Vries’s personal relationship with his father influence the creation of the “Soldaat van Oranje” musical?

The Personal Connection: A Father’s War Story

Fifteen years after its premiere, the groundbreaking musical Soldaat van Oranje continues too resonate with audiences. for writer Edwin de Vries, the anniversary holds a particularly poignant meaning, deeply intertwined with his own family history and a lifelong quest to understand his father’s experiences during World War II. De Vries, credited as the author of the libretto and scenario for Soldaat van Oranje, consistently emphasizes the personal drive behind the production.

The musical isn’t simply a past retelling; its a deeply felt exploration of courage, loss, and the complexities of war, fueled by De Vries’s desire to connect with a father who rarely spoke of his wartime service. This longing to understand shaped the narrative and emotional core of the Soldaat van Oranje musical.

From Silence to Story: the Genesis of the Musical

De Vries’s father, a member of the dutch resistance, returned from the war a changed man. His silence about his experiences created a void in De Vries’s childhood, sparking a curiosity that would eventually blossom into the Soldaat van Oranje project.

* early Influences: De Vries’s initial research began with fragmented memories and whispered stories from relatives.

* Extensive Research: This personal examination expanded into years of meticulous historical research, including interviews with veterans and detailed study of wartime documents.

* The Turning Point: The idea for a musical emerged as a way to not only honor his father’s generation but also to create an immersive experience that would convey the emotional weight of war to a wider audience.

This process wasn’t about uncovering specific events from his father’s life, but rather about understanding the feeling of those years – the fear, the uncertainty, and the unwavering commitment to freedom. the musical, therefore, presents a composite portrait of the Dutch resistance, drawing on numerous individual stories to create a global narrative.

Innovative Production & Immersive Theater

Soldaat van Oranje is renowned for its innovative staging. Unlike conventional proscenium arch productions, the musical is performed in a purpose-built, immersive theatre space at Fort Aldershot, a former military base. This unique setting allows the audience to move with the actors, becoming active participants in the story.

* fort Aldershot’s Significance: The choice of location is deliberate, mirroring the confined and claustrophobic environments experienced by resistance fighters.

* Audience Immersion: The audience isn’t simply watching a play; they are within the war, moving through bunkers, barracks, and forests alongside the characters.

* Technical Innovation: The production utilizes complex sound and lighting techniques to create a visceral and emotionally engaging experience.

De Vries collaborated closely with director Paul van Loon and composer John ewbank to realise this ambitious vision.The goal was to create a theatrical experience that would transcend traditional storytelling and truly transport the audience to the heart of the Dutch resistance. The immersive nature of the show is a key element in its enduring popularity and critical acclaim.

The Legacy of “Soldaat van Oranje”: Beyond Entertainment

The impact of Soldaat van Oranje extends far beyond entertainment. The musical has become a meaningful cultural touchstone in the Netherlands, prompting conversations about national identity, wartime trauma, and the importance of remembering history.

* Educational Impact: Schools regularly organize trips to see the musical as part of their history curriculum.

* Intergenerational Dialog: The show has sparked conversations between generations about the war and its lasting effects.

* International Recognition: Soldaat van Oranje has garnered international acclaim, with productions and adaptations in other countries.

De Vries views the musical as a living memorial to his father’s generation and a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit. He hopes that Soldaat van Oranje will continue to inspire audiences for years to come, reminding them of the sacrifices made in the pursuit of freedom. The musical’s continued success, fifteen years on, is a powerful validation of this vision.

Understanding the Dutch Resistance: Key Themes Explored

The musical delves into several crucial aspects of the Dutch resistance movement, offering a nuanced portrayal of the challenges and complexities faced by those who fought against Nazi occupation.

1. Civilian Involvement: Soldaat van Oranje highlights the widespread participation of ordinary citizens in the resistance, showcasing the courage and resourcefulness of individuals from all walks of life.
2. Moral Ambiguity: The production doesn’t shy away from exploring the moral dilemmas faced by resistance fighters, acknowledging the tough choices they were forced to make.
3. The Cost of Freedom: The musical powerfully illustrates the personal sacrifices and devastating losses endured by those who fought for liberation.
4. collaboration & Betrayal: The show also addresses the sensitive issue of collaboration with the enemy, portraying the devastating consequences of betrayal within the resistance movement.

These themes, woven into the fabric of the narrative, contribute to the musical’s depth and emotional resonance.

Edwin de Vries: A Biographical Overview