©PaulinaMatusiak&EddyWenting
ENG / NL

Plein Theater

Plein Theater is a unique theatre in Amsterdam Oost, offering contemporary and various programs for children, youngsters and adults. We are simultaneously a presenting stage in the neighborhood and a theater with an international orientation, a stepping stone for young talent and a collaborative and producing theater.

The programming in the Plein Theater is hybrid, interdisciplinary and adventurous; from contemporary music to modern dance, and from youth theater to puppet and object theatre. Here you can discover small-scale, intimate performance art weekly, with a strong focus on visual forms and activist themes. We give a platform to young talent, offbeat makers and prime theater companies and explicitly give space to experiment. In our view, the creator has a central role as driving force in cultural change.

As a collaborative theatre, we play an important role within the nomadic Cultuurhuis Oost (EAST&), with the public space as playground. In addition, our production house makes theatre projects that tie in with historical and current themes of the world around us.

 

Podium of the world around us

What makes a neighbourhood a close-knit, warm, and open community? The public square, where people meet up spontaneously and in a special way. It’s the heart of a neighbourhood, a familiar place where there is space for activities, dialogue and entrepreneurship. Every public square evolves with time, but also remains timeless.

The Plein Theater aims to be that beating heart for Amsterdam East and beyond. Our vision is to be a podium for the world around us, with a contemporary and diverse program from and for global citizens.

We are committed to all cultures and generations represented in our society. With love we compose a diverse, local, and international program which included anything for everyone; from entertainment to connection and  from inspiration to cultural exchange. At Plein Theater courageous makers shed light on conflicts in society, and show where change is necessary. With us, voices are heard and sympathetic ears are offered. Here's to meet fellow people.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Principles

We apply five basic principles to all disciplines within our theatre (business operations, makers, productions and programming, our Theater Café, as well as our collaborations) which are all equally valuable:
 

First of all, we consider the development process of a theatre product just as important as the result. To guarantee a high level of quality, we must dare to research and to explore, broadly and inclusively.

Hand in hand with this goes the wish and the necessity to be connected. Connected in mutual involvement and in equal, constructive collaborations.

The third principle is local = global. Our international programming is both “home-grown”, as well as from all over the world. And we look for forms whereby other world citizens can become familiar with our work, either live or via online media.

We don’t program everything ourselves, by the way. We emphatically encourage our audience, neighbours, and makers to contribute to this process. In this respect, we specifically provide room for the unexpected. Unexpected circumstances wherein our production, or parts of them, can be experienced. Or new forms, such a stroll, or a performance with robots. We enthusiastically stimulate active involvement from our audience.

As last principle, we strive in our programming to reflect the Zeitgeist, and to address social issues. And contribute to change by being creative in the midst of current affairs, putting themes on the agenda, and organizing dialogue evenings. Present = future.