In May, no fewer than 13 Amsterdam theatres will join forces for the festival Lieve Stad, 750, a special ode to the creative power of Amsterdam. From 1 to 31 May, more than 50 performances can be seen throughout the city. From dance and theatre to music and art installations: the festival celebrates what has made Amsterdam so unique for 750 years – its stories, makers and diversity.
Lieve Stad is named after the farewell letter of former mayor Eberhard van der Laan. The festival is a collaboration between Internationaal Theater Amsterdam (ITA), Meervaart and many other theaters and has been bringing makers and theaters together since 2018 around the theme of urban connectedness. In this anniversary year, the festival will gain extra meaning. The program shows how culture connects Amsterdammers, with performances that look back to the past and look ahead to the future.
The program is full of special performances, encounters and stories. For example, on May 17 in ITA you will see a unique combination of worlds: in one room the sparkling queer cabaret of Amber Vineyard, in the other room the theatrical power of professional wrestling. Afterwards, these worlds come together in a festive afterparty. Meervaart is also going all out. ISH Dance Collective is celebrating its 25th anniversary on May 16 and 17 with spectacular shows, workshops, battles and even a roller disco. A party for everyone who loves urban dance, theatre and creativity.
The festival also focuses on important Amsterdam stories. For example, there are programs around the Curaçaoan theatre maker Felix de Rooy and the Moluccan company DeltaDua. They talk about the colonial past and how it still has an influence.
At Pakhuis de Zwijger, visitors can discuss the future of the city: How do we ensure that Amsterdam remains a place for everyone?
You can find the full program at festivallievestad.nl. Celebrate with us, look around you and discover the power of a city full of makers.
