MEDIATHEK

‘Tafel van Vijf’ combines theatre, music and our common heritage. We put the concept of freedom at the heart of all our productions, because current events demand a close look at what ‘freedom’ really means. The stories we take as our starting point are about rebellion and resistance and their effect in the world.


// De Witt or Orange the project //

De Witt or Orange is a production that is shown in theatres and combined with a guided visit on the same day to exhibits in a museum that are relevant to the historical facts of the story.


// De Witt or Orange synopsis //

De Witt or Orange is a rock-opera about the 'year of disaster' - 1672 - the blackest year in Dutch history, when populism changed the country for ever. At the highest point of the Dutch Republic's development, the Netherlands was the wealthiest and most powerful nation in Europe. It dominated world trade and had a strong modernized navy.


This achievement was greatly envied by neighboring countries. Louis XIV of France decided to destroy the Netherlands as a trading nation, in coalition with the King of England and two German Bishops. Louis invaded The Netherlands with an army of 120.000 men, the largest since Roman times.

The Netherlands was gripped by fear. The young Prince of Orange took advantage of this panic to manipulate the common people. His faction produced a tsunami of pamphlets claiming that the government, led by Johan de Witt, had sold the country to the French.

De Witt or Orange tells the story of Henk, the servant of Cornelis de Witt, the brother of Johan de Witt, head of the Netherlands government. Both brothers stood for ‘True Freedom’ - that is, a land without a king - and Henk adores his master, who is responsible for organizing the land forces. But Henk has also fallen in love with the fanatic Gijsje, who is on the side of the young Prince of Orange, now preparing to take power.

The relationship between Henk and Gijsje is under great pressure because of the political situation. Henk is drawn towards supporting Gijsje’s stance, because all the indications are that the De Witt brothers will fail. But when his master is imprisoned, falsely accused of plotting to assassinate the Prince of Orange, Henk sees that justice is not being done.

As there is no proof against Cornelis, he is about to be released from prison; but the family of the Prince of Orange organizes a riot in which both De Witt brothers are lynched by a mob. This destroys the relationship between Henk and Gijsje