|
|
|
|
|
|
Resources |
|
|
|
English Language Theater in Amsterdam
| Article
# : |
11219 |
|
|
Section : |
THE ARTS
|
| Issue
Date : |
5 / 1986 |
1,610 Words |
| Author
: |
Christopher V. Davies
Christopher V. Davies, a British writer currently living in
the Netherlands, is also a singer and songwriter. |
"The children in Holland take pleasure in making
What the children in England take pleasure in breaking."
--English Nursery Rhyme
This cryptic rhyme would seem overly gratuitous were it not for the fact that its origin is English not Dutch. In reality, there is an enthusiasm in Amsterdam for English language theatrical productions that would usually be expected only in places where English is the native tongue. This can be explained rationally by considering the international nature of the city with its large foreign population and flourishing tourist trade. But these factors also apply to many European cities; Amsterdam is rather special.
Ever since the huge profits of the East India company made Amsterdam the financial capital of the world in the seventeenth century its people have had a lively interest in the arts and cultures of other peoples, and the decline of Holland as a world power has probably increased rather than decreased this appreciation. The Amsterdammer recognizes that he cannot be content with his own language alone if he wants to make a mark on the world, and if asked if he speaks English will reply "Of course," as if not to do so would be unthinkable.
Members of the English Speaking Theatre Amsterdeam (ESTA) offer productions for nearly half the year, renting theater spaces as they need it, and are currently considering obtaining their own theater and extending their performances. Their current production celebrates their eighth anniversary and includes three of the cast of their first production Who's Afraid of
... (1994 of 9531 Characters)
Read Full Article
|
|
