This is why ‘Soldaat van Oranje’ still makes an impression
Watching films again, I do it quite often. But going to the same musical twice, that's a different story. Actually, I knew right after I saw the performance for the first time last February that I wanted to see ‘Soldier of Orange’ again. Fourteen years after the premiere, the musical has now been renewed. The perfect reason to go see it again. And I can tell you, I was impressed once more.
The musical tells the true story of resistance hero Erik Hazelhoff Roelfzema and takes you through the choices he had to make during World War II. In the Theater Hangaar in Katwijk, you as a visitor sit on a rotating platform and move from scene to scene. With moving motorcycles, a simulated sea, and a real airplane. The main storyline has remained the same, as history does not change. However, several things have been adjusted in the show.
This uncomfortable song has been removed
Songs like ‘Tea’ and the somewhat uncomfortable ‘Free with me’ have been taken out of the show. In their place, new numbers have come, such as a solo number for Ada titled ‘Never return’. Almost all other songs have been renewed. For most songs, the adjustments are subtle, and it's just a few lines that are a bit different.
You always miss something
Especially the female characters have been further developed. We learn more about Charlotte and Ada, both part of Hazelhoff Roelfzema's friend group. We see the role Charlotte played in the resistance and the regret Ada felt for choosing the side of the Germans. In addition to new songs, new scenes and sets have also been added. Extra information has also been added to various male characters. The renewed version provides a more complete story in which all characters have a much clearer role in the whole.
The musical conveys the impact and dilemmas of the war well. Despite the fact that the war was so long ago and I, fortunately, have never been in contact with it, I felt the fear and sadness of the characters. And that left me speechless. From September 11, the renewed ‘Soldier of Orange’ will be on display. Due to the rotating platform and the fact that sometimes things happen in multiple places, you miss quite a few details while watching. I also dare not promise not to go a third time.
Image: Soldier of Orange
