Netherlands Film Festival

holland focus
Nijntje is 60
on oliebollen
Netherlands Film Festival
November/December 2015
photo front page: building in Amsterdam
CONTENTS
ARTICLES______________________
8 on oliebollen
12 Nijntje’s 60th birthday
18 Dutch constructions are everywhere
26 Shulbach
27 A taste of Australia
28 Sail back in time with STS Leeuwin II
31 boekbesprekingen
32 Xavier Brouwer
34 Kick Down Under, Footbike World Championship
35 Mirusia returns home to Australia
36 Dutch explorer Herman Melville
42 TTIP
46 Discover the Ice-Age in unique peat moor
54 Refugees through the ages
58 Engelandvaarders museum
sheds light on history
62 Lion Toys
68 Unity in Diversity
72 Nieuwe DNB bezoekerscentrum
geopend door Koningin Máxima
74 Netherlands Film Festival 2015
80 images of Sail Amsterdam 2015
REGULARS___________________
3 oproep
6 Tegenvoeter -Three words from Russia,
with love, - Ruud Hisgen
16 Gedicht Belicht - Frans Hertoghs
17 Kaaskoppen - the ongoing black discussion
25 Dutch/Flemish movies - lucifer
40 Kiwikorrels - Weka weka!
fruit, mens of vogel?
52 Taals Taaltje - niet kijken
61 Dutch radio news
66 Verbeeldingen - de borduurder
hele fijne
feestdagen
en een
goed begin
van 2016
kroketten, bitterballen
en frikandellen
A TOUCH OF DUTCH
shop and café
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Come and enjoy traditional, and
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07-32452596
Of kom gezellig even langs bij Eugenie op de Chandler
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2
p
e
o
r
p
o
Ik ben al geruime tijd zeer benieuwd, wat er terecht
gekomen is van Lucia A C van Hees geboren op 2502-1947. Zij is samen met haar ouders, broers en
zussen in 1960 geëmigreerd van Nederland naar
Australië en op 14 september 1960 aangekomen
met de Zuiderkruis in Sydney.
Deze gegevens ben ik te weten gekomen via de
National Archives of Australia. Ik ben geen familie
van haar. Ik heb haar in 1959 leren kennen op de
Pius X ULO te Dussen en als (pre)pubers hebben wij
onze genegenheid voor elkaar laten weten.
Helaas heb ik na haar vertrek nooit meer iets van
haar vernomen. Nu, 55 jaar later, zou ik graag weten
of zij nog leeft en zo ja of zij zich mij nog herinnert.
Natuurlijk is het meest ideale scenario, dat ik langs
deze weg in contact kom met Loes. Maar als dat niet
mogelijk is, hoop ik vurig dat anderen mij kunnen
informeren. Dat kan via mijn emailadres: tevabi@
ziggo.nl of per post op mijn huisadres: Spank 102,
4824 BH Breda.
Ik wacht reacties in spanning af.
Kasteel van Dussen foto. G. Lanting
Kamp Westerbork
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a taste of Holland and Portugal
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This biography of fifteen postwar Dutch migrants is a story full of Joie
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Australians. Aussies resonated with links of Dutch historical strands
that made up the Australian identity, begun in 1606.
Arriving in at the “Migrant Assimilation Camp,” the Paulusses’ were
urged to drop their native language, cultural norms, and values.
Culture shocks were relentless for this liberal Dutch family whose
values clashed with a monoculture conservative Angloceltic society
that was years behind in attitude and sophistication. Living in a transit
Caravan Park, the family came face to face with human rights abuses.
Confronted with the White Australia Policy, inequality of women,
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justice.
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counterculture movements. Not only did the pill change sex from
procreation to recreation but completely changed the mores of
conservative Australia. Despite the antiwar movement’s popularity,
the Australian government was about to conscript eighteen-year-old
Dutch boys to fight in the killing fields of Vietnam. As of old, the Dutch
revolted, tens of thousands started a new exodus of Vertrek back to
Nederland.
Order your signed copy of Vertrek directly from the Author
Email: Keith.Paulusse@gmail.com
or phone Kees to order your copy immediately 0407240349
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Book Reviews - readers feedback
Peter Mc Kinnon author of Jessie Adams What a wonderful read. The personal story and social history it contained was very entertaining and vividly conveyed the highs and
lows any life event of significance always has.
KIRKUS review USA
Vertrek’s strengths outweigh its weaknesses. It’s loaded with perceptive portraits of the Australians and Dutch Paulusse knew and descriptions of his family’s struggles.
Vertrek also provides an ambivalent take on assimilation and the so-called advances of modern life compared with “a quieter, more stable time.” Overall, these memorable
anecdotes are told with empathy and laced with wit and warmth.
Claudio Corlazzoli Paris France
I recommend ‘Vertrek’ to everybody. Very fluent and never boring. I liked the pictures at the end of the chapters, so I could give a face to the people mentioned. I underlined
the sentences that I liked the most, I’ve been meditating on many things. I liked how you talked about social issues, comparing the present and the past. Especially I liked the
part about conscription for Vietnam’s war and the real story about the discovery of Australia. And The last intimate chapters about your family were touching. This book kept a
lot of company to me as a solo traveller around the world. I’m looking forward to your up coming 2nd book!
Nel Terri New York USA
“Vertrek” seemed interesting, but when I saw the bookcover with the picture of you and your sisters my curiosity took over and I ordered the book on Amazon. When I told my
sons about it they also were enthused so I ordered and received copies of your book for them as well; I hope Amazon pays you the royalties! It was amazing to read how you
and your family coped with the hardship in settling in Australia. I have high admiration for your mom and dad to stick with it during those times.
Margaret Calloway , Baronia Victoria
Iam Australian , 92 years of age I still read a lot, I just wanted to let you know that Vertrek is one of the most inspiring touching and witty books I have ever read. There is
only one thing wrong with it , at 315 pages and 25 Chapters it is too short. I cannot wait for the sequel to come out this year. I just love and respect the Dutch even more after
reading Vertrek. My son inlaw is Dutch and he bought copies for all of his family in Netherland the US and Australia.
Keith Paulusse was born in the city of Terneuzen, situated in the province of Zeeland, the
Netherlands. At age eleven, he migrated to Australia. He left school at thirteen to start
work in an Australian butter factory; at fifteen years, he become a postman. He completed
his secondary education by working and studying part-time at Deakin University, paying
his way.
Keith studied social science, majoring in psychology. His life was shaped by championing
social justice. At various times, he was an entrepreneur, starting and publishing cultural
magazines. For the past six years, he has operated a tuition-free school of languages for
international students, refugees, migrants, and Australians with literacy challenges.
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painting of “pierewaaien’ by Willy Sluiter
THREE WORDS
FROM RUSSIA
WITH LOVE
words Ruud Hisgen
There are three Dutch words that owe their existence to
the Russian language. They are PIEREWAAIEN, DOERAK
MAMMOET. Here is the fascinating story of how
Apeldoornand
canal
these words managed to infiltrate Dutch.
1. PIEREWAAIEN, go out on the town, lark about, live it up
The verb PIEREWAAIEN reminds me of the delapidated
Scheveningen Pier with its dismal past. Context: ‘They
worked hard, now it’s time “om te pierewaaien”’. At
first sight the word seems to come from the two words
PIER, pier and WAAIEN, blow (of wind or storm) and you
picture yourself on a Sunday afternoon strolling along
the pier arm in arm with the one you love while a mild
breeze ruffles your hair and the sun smiles at a flowering
romance. WRONG! WRONG!
2. DOERAK, rascal
DOERAK sounds Malay or Indonesian but, no it comes
from Russian ‘durak’ which means ‘domkop’, ‘dwaas’,
‘nitwit’. ‘fool’. The word ‘dur’ means ‘foolishness’. DURAK
was exported to the Netherlands by cossacks who
helped the Dutch to chase away Napoleon’s army from
the Netherlands in 1813. In November 1813 Willem of
Orange set foot on Dutch soil in Scheveningen for the first
time. He became the first Dutch king. After two hundred
years of usage the negative term of abuse DOERAK
mellowed down to a positive term of endearment. A
naughty child, a little rascal, could be called DOERAK,
usually by proud grandfathers or grandmothers: ‘Het is
een echte doerak!’
PIEREWAAIEN is a word that was borrowed from the
Russian language. As early as the seventeenth century. In
theory, Johan and his brother Cornelis de Witt and their
philosopher friend Spinoza could have used it, though
this is extremely unlikely in view of their serious and
introverted characters.
PIEREWAAIEN is a corruption from the Russian verb
‘pirovát’ which has the noun ‘pir’ (feast, festive meal) at
its core. Etymologists assume that the word was imported
into the Dutch Republic by sailors who had reached the
port of Arkhangelsk safely and then celebrated by having
a spree and running wild. The Dutch have two lovely
sayings for PIEREWAAIEN that are fully Dutch: AAN DE
ZWIER ZIJN (go on a spree) and DE BLOEMETJES BUITEN
ZETTEN (literally: to put the flowers outside).
3. MAMMOET, mammoth is the third Dutch word
borrowed from Russian. The word has an extremely
strange history.
In her fascinating book on loan words etymologist
Nicoline van der Sijs recounts the fascinating history of
66
this word. It refers to the woolly mammoth that roamed
northern Europe, Asia and America until it became extinct
some 4000 years ago. In the Middle Ages people thought
the tusks belonged to mythical monsters that had lived
before the Flood. The tusks and bones were deemed to
have magical healing powers and were sold at exorbitant
prices.
The Russians called this mythical beast ‘mamont’. What
this Russian word originally meant is unknown. The first
publication of this word occurred in 1692 in a book on
North and East Tartary. It was written by Amsterdam
mayor Nicolaas Witsen who had met tsar Peter the
Great and visited Russia several times. A printing error
determined the future of the name of the woolly
beast. The compositor mistook ‘n’ for ‘u’ and ‘mamont’
became ‘mammout’ and that is why the French still
have ‘mammouth’, the Germans ‘Mammut’, the English
‘mammoth’ and the Dutch mammoet. All because of a
spelling error.
The largest collection of mammoth bones is in the Leiden
museum Naturalis. Fishermen catch mammoth bones at
or near the Dogger Bank. In the last Ice Age the North Sea
was dry land and on this steppe the mammoth used to
roam. So the bottom of the North Sea is scattered with
Mammoetbotten (mammoth bones).
We also know MAMMOET in the combinations
MAMMOETTANKER (supertanker) and MAMMOETWET
(Mammoth Act). This Secondary Education Act of 1963
was the start of a huge educational reform whereby the
old system of MULO and HBS was transformed to the
present day system of MAVO, HAVO, VWO.
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On
I distinctly remember my surprise when on
the morning of December the 31st 1997,
my husband left the house to get a special
treat he was sure I was going to love. That
special treat was something all the Dutch
ate on New Year’s Eve, and it was called
‘oliebollen’. I should point out that it was
my first December in the Netherlands, and
that my Dutch was non-existent. I had no
idea what ‘oliebollen’ meant.
8
olieb llen
words and photos Paola Westbeek
Nearly two hours later, and with hands numb from the
cold, he handed me not one, but two bags of what I first
thought were ‘zeppoles’. When I lived in New Jersey,
almost every Italian pizzeria sold these donut-like treats. I
loved them, though didn’t dare indulge all too often.
“I hope this is enough,” he told me as he took off his coat.
“Enough?” Perhaps he had invited company over?
But no, these two bags, each containing eight of the
currant-studded fritters or ‘oliebollen’, were entirely for
us! We were supposed to eat them all in one single night!
It turned out that my poor husband had stood in line
in the freezing cold at the so-called ‘oliebollenkraam’
(oliebollen stand) the whole time, just to get us these
classic Dutch treats. How could I possibly disappoint him
by saying there was no way I was going to eat an entire
bag’s worth?
So I followed his instructions, plated a few, sprinkled
them way too liberally with icing sugar and took my first
bite. They were better than the zeppoles I remembered.
Delicious indeed, but no chance would I be able to handle
six more before midnight!
Interestingly enough, the same story repeats itself every
year (though now he gets them at the HEMA, where
even in the late December cold, it is permanently nice
and warm). Despite the fact that we are but a family of
three, I am always stuck with way too many oliebollen.
In fact, there are still a few in my freezer from last year!
It appears that the oliebollen invasion is not all that
unusual. My husband told me stories of his mother frying
oliebollen from the moment she got up on the 31st of
December. There were also trays full of appelbeignets
(apple fritters).
cakes’ – not round, but flat – were made with ingredients
that stayed well, and because they were quite rich in
fat and calories, they were a good choice for the cold
weather.
The very first recipe for oliekoeken can be found in the
first Dutch cookbook titled De verstandige kock or The
Sensible Cook (1667). The yeast cakes were fried in about
But where did the love for oliebollen come from? Let’s
have a look at the history of this Dutch holiday treat,
which by the way, you guessed it, was the precursor to
the ever-popular donut!
Some believe that the first oliebollen-like fritters were
eaten by the Batavians and the Frisians at the beginning
of the Christian era. Much like today, they were also
eaten at the end of December, mainly during the Yuletide
(between December 26th and January 6th). At the time
however, they were offered as food for the gods. Others
say that we can trace their origins back to the Middle
Ages. To celebrate the end of the fasting period that
started on November 11th with the feast of St. Maarten,
people indulged in treats called ‘oliekoeken’. These ‘oil
9
Maid carrying a large bowl with oliebollen (the first known picture of oliebollen and they still look the same), picture
from about 1652 by Aelbertt Cuyp (Dordrechts Museum).
10
a litre of rapeseed oil; too little for them to take on a nice
round shape. By the 18th century, we read in the popular
cookbook De Volmaakte Hollandsche keukenmeid (1746),
that twice as much oil was used in the frying of the cakes,
and that they were dropped into the hot fat with the use
of two tin spoons. This in turn gave them a more rounder
shape, quite similar to the one we know today.
It was only at the end of the 19th century, or more
specifically in the book Aaltje: Nieuw Nederlands
Kookboek (1891), that they were referred to as
‘oliebollen’. Some books, however, continued to use the
old name.
were only enjoyed by ‘genuine Dutch families.’
One of the more popular recipes was described by Anne
Stevenson van Cortlandt (1774-1821). It is known as the
Albany method and is recorded as follows: “4 pounds
flour, 1 pound sugar, 1 pound butter and 12 eggs, a
teacup of yeast and as much milk as you please say near
or quite 3 pints.”
By the end of the 19th century, the recipe was changed
and baking powder (at the time a new development in
the culinary world), was used instead of yeast. This had
one major drawback: the dough was less likely to cook
through and the result was a soggy mess. To solve
the problem, a hole was poked through the
middle of the dough ball, and the first
donut was born!
Of course, donuts aren’t the only
culinary legacy the Dutch left behind
for the rest of the world to enjoy. That
list also includes pancakes, waffles
and coleslaw.
This December 31st, it will be
eighteen years since I first sank my
teeth into a Dutch oliebol. In those
eighteen years (believe it or not), I
haven’t tried my hand at making my
own oliebollen. Time to remedy that.
Plus, it’s a good excuse to make just
enough for the three of us. As much
as I like a good oliebol, everything in
moderation. Even when it comes to the
last indulgence of the year.
Fijne jaarwisseling!
So how did oliebollen give way to the donuts we all
know and love today? Along with many other traditions,
Dutch settlers who moved to the New World in the 17th
century also brought over their trusted cookbooks and
continued to make the food they knew and loved. In
many documents of prominent families we find mention
of olie-koecken, oly cooks or oeli-koeken. They are even
mentioned in Washington Irving’s book A History of
New York (1809). There they are described as ‘balls of
sweetened dough, fried in hog’s fat, and called dough
nuts or oly-koeks’, treats, which according to the writer,
winners of the yearly oliebollen test, organised by the Algemeen
Dagblad. Insert Bakkerij Brokking in IJsselstein; Large picture:
Richard Visser’s oliebollenkraam in Rotterdam, winner of many
tests (Photo Targaryen); Donut by Evan-Amos
11
Nov. 2007 photo by Dolph Kohnstamm
Nijntje’s
60th
birthday
Bruna in the restoration studio of the
Rijksmuseum © Rijksmuseum
Who wouldn’t recognise Nijntje or Miffy as the little white rabbit is called in English?
This year Nijntje celebrates her 60th birthday.
The reason why the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam organised an exhibition on Nijntje’s creator, Dick Bruna. The exhibition
is open from August 27 to November 15.
words Birgit Blankers
Dick Bruna, graphic designer and artistic father of Nijntje
and her friends, was born in 1927 in Utrecht. Being the son
of a publisher Dick Bruna was predetermined to become his
father’s successor. But Dick had other plans. He quit high
school and travelled to London and Paris. There he became
inspired by the great painters like Henri Matisse and Fernand
Léger. Back in the Netherlands, Dick Bruna went to the
Academy of Arts in Amsterdam. Dick Bruna still refused to
take over his father’s business which didn’t make his father
very happy. Instead of taking over the family business Dick
started drawing designs for book-covers. Amongst others:
inspector Maigret, by George Simenon, and Ian Fleming’s
James Bond. Dick Bruna was inspired by artists like Willem
Sandberg, H.N. Werkman and Bert van Leck, and painters
from De Stijl, Gerrit Rietveld en Pieter Mondriaan. Works by
these artists are shown on the exhibition as well.
12
Nijntje
Even though Dick Bruna designed many book covers, it
was Nijntje who made Bruna definitely world famous.
Bruna JR married Irene de Jongh in 1953. Together they
had three children. While being on a holiday with his
family, Dick Bruna created the first Nijntje story, being
inspired by a toy rabbit of his children. In 1955 the first
book about Nijntje was published. Later Dick Bruna
created other little heroes like Betje Big and the dog
Snuffie. So far Dick Bruna has written 30 books about
Nijntje. Nijntje was published in many countries and is
translated in 41 languages, from Afrikaans (Kleintjie,
Katryntjie), to Swedisch (Lilla Kanin) and from German to
Portuguese. The little books are very popular especially in
Japan. Bruna’s trademark are the clear primary colours,
strong lines and basic shapes. The exhibition doesn’t just
show works by Dick Bruna but also works he was inspired
by, for example Matisse. In total there are 120 objects
13
Miffy shop in Amsterdam
on show, Nijntje amongst them of course. Four
musicals about Nijntje have been performed and
the first cinema movie was made in 2013. There
are two Nijntje shops, one in Amsterdam and
one in Maastricht, where books, toys, wallpaper
and a lot more merchandise by Dick Bruna are
for sale.
14
Nijntje Amsterdam
above artist Hugo Kaagman,
right Florentijn Hofman
(photos FaceMePLS)
Nijntje will celebrate her 60th birthday for an
entire year. Besides the exhibition in Amsterdam,
there is a Nijntje Parade in Amsterdam and
Utrecht. 60 Dutch artists were given the job to
decorate a 1.80 meters high statue of Nijntje.
Amongst them Charlotte Dematons, Hans van
Bentem, Bas Kosters, and Madelon Bruna,
Dick Bruna’s daughter who is also an artist. In
October an auction was organised of the 43
most colourful statues, it brought in more than
500,000 Euro. The money will be donated to
Unicef to be spent on education for children.
There is also a permanent exhibition in the
Dick Bruna Huis, which is part of the Centraal
Museum in Utrecht (and a museum shop
with Nijntje merchandise). Until 2011, Dick
Bruna travelled to his atelier in Utrecht by bike
every day. Since September 2015, Dick Bruna’s
workplace has been moved to the attic in the
Centraal Museum in Utrecht.
The Dick Bruna Huis is a wonderful place for
children and adults alike where they can
explore the world of Dick Bruna.
Dick Bruna has been awarded many times.
In 2001 he was announced Commandeur
in de Orde van de Nederlandse Leeuw,
after the presentation of the 100th book
about Nijntje (het spook Nijntje – Miffy
the ghost). Only people who have made an
exceptional contribution to the Dutch society
receive this Order. Earlier, in 1982, Dick Bruna
became Ridder in de Orde van Oranje Nassau.
February 2014 Dick Bruna announced that
he will not create any more Nijntje books.
But Nijntje and her friends will go on to
have adventures in classrooms, waiting
rooms, bedrooms, and many children’s
hearts. They might not like to admit it
but Nijntje managed to steal many an
adult’s heart too.
Did you know:
There are no capital letters used in the Nijntje books
Dick Bruna checks all the translations (with someone who knows the language)
Traffic lights with Nijntje’s silhouette are in the Lange Viestraat in Utrecht
Utrecht also has the Nijntje square with a statue of Nijntje made by Dick’s son, the
sculptor Marc Bruna.
Nijntje books have recently been translated in Haags, Gronings, Utrechts, Achterhoeks,
Papiamento and Twents.
Illustration Dick Bruna © copyright Mercis bv, 1997
15
GB
edicht
Het is een vreemd soort taal, gedichten. Normaal gebruiken wij onze taal alsof het geld is: je
geeft het uit en je ontvangt het. Maar je kijkt er eigenlijk nooit naar.
Je werkt ermee, maar je ziet het niet. In gedichten gaat dat anders:
Dan kijk je in het hart van de taal. In het hart van de mens.
elicht
’s morgens
Het was half vijf ’s morgens in April
Ik liep en floot de St. Louis Blues
Maar ik floot die op mijn eigen wijze
Al fluitend dacht ik:
mocht mijn fluiten gelijken
op de zang van de grote lijster.
En waarlijk, na enige tijd
geleek mijn fluiten van de St. Louis Blues
op de zang van de grote lijster:
turdus viscovorus
Lente, heel vroeg in de ochtend, de zon is nog net niet op. In dit gedicht loop je met de dichter mee
door de prille wereld van jong groen en opgewekte vogelzang. Hij begint ervan te fluiten. Maar
hij fluit de blues, de melancholieke melodieën op de treurige teksten. Maar hij gaat improviseren.
Hij fluit de blues op zijn eigen manier. En langzamerhand ontvouwt zich een klein wonder. Alles
past ineens op wonderbaarlijke manier aan elkaar, zijn eigen versie van de blues, het fluiten van
zijn eigen Blues past precies in dat van de vogels. Terwijl we onzichtbaar meelopen in de pas met
de dichter worden we opgenomen in een bovenwereldse harmonie. Daar passen bijbelse woorden in: en waarlijk, en
geleek. Zelfs de wetenschappelijke naam van de grote zanglijster past erin. Dit gedicht is een glaszuivere afbeelding
van geluk.
Jan Hanlo was in de jaren vijftig een van de experimentele dichters, die probeerden het vastlopende wiel van de
dichtkunst te bevrijden uit de boeien van de conventies. Dit gedicht is daar een verrassend en letterlijk verfrissend
voorbeeld van.
achtergrondfoto Gerard Blokhuis
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Networking for Business
KAASkoppen discusses actual affairs that keep the Nederlanders busy
a glance at the current Netherlands
the ongoing
black discussion
The summer holidays were not even finished or the
Zwarte Piet discussions started already. At the start of the
new school year especially the schools in the Randstad
received the question from parents what colour the
Pieten would have at the school’s Sinterklaasfeest.
Some schools already had a clear vision and had decided
to ban Zwarte Piet or indicated that they would celebrate
Sinterklaasfeest just traditionally with black pieten.
The reason why some parents placed their children in
another school without zwarte pieten.
Educational guidelines have been composed for schools
that are not sure what to do. Outside the Randstad
schools are not that worried about the colour of the
employee (the word helper has been carefully avoided)
of Sinterklaas. In the meantime the opponents of Zwarte
Piet have announced that
they will hold a
demonstration
during the
national
entry in
Meppel
this year.
Employees at Albert Heijn received strict instructions
how to handle discussions about Zwarte Piet in the
shop. “Stay calm and when escalating call security
immediately.”
Discussing with the customer about this sensitive subject
is not what they want. “Indicate that we sincerely regret
that the cultural habits during the sinterklaasfeest could
be upsetting.” The different branches have received
instructions about the images of Zwarte Piet, if they
choose to use them. “Be aware that the image is not a
caricature.”
And what does Zwarte Piet think about this? In august
this year they came together at the first Pieten seminar
ever. The Pieten (not dressed up, Caucasian –except
for two) arrived in jeans, beach dresses with floral
prints. They were not merry at all. Rather emotional.
During question time in the morning and afternoon,
the session seemed to turn into a support group for
traumatised Pieten. One person: “I am too frightened
to walk on the street. What if the protesters attack
me?” Someone else: “Nowadays, we make a risk
analysis and walk with four security guys down
the street.” A third person: “What am I to do
with the Sinterklaas news? I am not joining the
Stroopwafelpieten at all.”
One thing is for sure: the government will
not ban Zwarte Piet. The Dutch government
has promised the international community
to adjust Zwarte Piet and turn it into a figure
who is acceptable to everyone. Hopefully
this will happen in time to prevent that the
centuries old innocent children’s party
and the boat entry of Sinterklaas will not
became a black day.
photo Wouter Engler
17
Dutch constructions
18
The 29-storey Menara Palma building in Jakarta. (Photo: BAM International)
The artificial peninsula Palm Jumeirah off the coast of Dubai. (Photo: Van Oord)
are everywhere!
Holland has built a lot abroad, including a name
Developing state-of-the-art water defence systems and reclaiming
wetlands – engineering-wise, these are just two of the things the
Netherlands is known and praised for. Water management is also a
topic King Willem-Alexander is very much interested in.
In the field of construction and infrastructure the Dutch corporate
world has also gained widespread acclaim for designing and/
or realising buildings, bridges, energy generation facilities, ports,
waterways, tunnels, railways, roads, and so on.
Abroad, Holland’s expertise in construction and infrastructure has been
put into practice extensively, too. Let’s take a look at some of the main
players in this specific arena.
words Ton van Rooij
19
Some of the 17 ‘leafs’ of Palm Jumeirah in Dubai. (Photo: Van Oord)
The artificial archipelago The World in Dubai. (Photo: Van Oord)
Artist’s impression of how Jumana Island in Dubai eventually could look like once
real estate has been established on it. (Photo: Van Oord)
20
Van Oord and Royal HaskoningDHV reshape Dubai’s
coast line
A specialist in dredging, marine engineering and offshore
energy projects is Van Oord. Founded in 1868 by Govert
van Oord, its head office resides in Rotterdam. The firm
has, for instance, provided the foundations and electrical
infrastructure for and installed the Belwind Phase 1
Offshore Wind Farm off the coast of Zeebrugge, Belgium.
Further away, it has, among numerous other things,
extended the port of Brisbane, Australia, deepened the
harbour of Rio de Janeiro and executed trenching and
backfilling campaigns near the ice-cold Yamal Peninsula in
Northern Russia (for pipeline installation).
On many projects, Van Oord has worked together with
Royal HaskoningDHV, an independent, international
engineering and project management consultancy.
Among the fields in which Royal HaskoningDHV delivers
services are aviation, buildings, energy, infrastructure,
maritime engineering, urban planning, water
management and water technology. The Amersfoortbased company resulted from a merger between Royal
Haskoning, founded in 1881 by engineers Johannes van
Hasselt and Jacobus de Koning, and DHV, started in 1917
by engineers Adriaan Dwars, Arie Heederik and Bas
Verhey.
and the private investment climate for the real estate
market. With this in mind, establishment of three
artificial palm-shaped peninsulas and two archipelagos
was envisioned. These would house hotels, resorts,
apartments, villas, marinas, recreational facilities and
retail shops.
In September 2000, Royal HaskoningDHV was appointed
by project developer Nakheel Properties to design
the outer island of the first peninsula, Palm Jumeirah.
This curved outer island, shaped as an 11 km crescent
breakwater, was of utmost importance to make the
construction of the palm tree possible in a sheltered area
at the lee side of the breakwater and moreover create a
permanent protection of the sandy palm island behind it.
Each in their own role, Van Oord and Royal HaskoningDHV
have been involved in some truly mind-blowing
construction projects in Dubai. Being aware of the fact
that in time, revenues from oil and gas generation will
inevitably drop, the Emirate’s aim was to secure its
economic future by boosting both the tourism industry
In June 2001, work started on the crescent breakwater
and Palm Jumeirah. In terms of size, concept and design,
never before had a project as ambitious as this been
undertaken. Van Oord was responsible for the inner
component, the palm tree (made up of a ‘trunk’ and 17
‘leafs’), while Boskalis and Archirodon took care of the
11 km stone outer ring. On 20 November 2008, Palm
Jumeirah was festively inaugurated, which coincided with
the grand opening of the luxurious hotel Atlantis, The
Palm. Since then, more hotels followed. Even a cruise
ship, Queen Elizabeth 2, was turned into one.
For the second artificial peninsula, Palm Jebel Ali,
Royal HaskoningDHV designed the 15 km long crescent
breakwater island. In 2008, though, development of this
island, created by the Belgian/Luxembourgian company
Jan De Nul, was suspended due to the financial crisis.
21
Work in progress on the creation of Jumana Island in Dubai. (Photo: Van Oord)
The Welcome Pavillion on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. (Photo: BAM International)
The 234 m high Al Bidda Tower in Doha, Qatar. (Photo: BAM International)
22
Van Oord and Royal HaskoningDHV were also
contracted to realise the third island, Palm Deira. In
close cooperation between the two firms dedicated
designs were developed for the marine water edges,
being revetments, breakwaters, quay walls, beaches
and marinas, totalling a few hundred kilometres. But
in late 2008, when already 80% of the reclamation was
complete, the project came to a standstill, also because
of the severely worsened economic situation. As a result,
the project was redesigned and renamed to Deira Islands,
now encompassing four islands. “Whether at a later stage
the originally planned palm will be completed depends on
the developments in Dubai,” notes Robert de Bruin, Head
Corporate Communication & Markets Department at Van
Oord. “The four islands are currently being developed.
They are connected with each other and already now are
accessible via the mainland.”
civil and marine engineering, public-private partnerships,
mechanical and electrical contracting, and consultancy.
Deploying the contracting activities of BAM outside
Europe is BAM International, with its head office based in
The Hague.
Among BAM’s numerous international projects are the
A-shaped, 29-storey office building Menara Palma in
Jakarta, more than two km long jetties for Liquefied
Natural Gas (LNG) terminals in countries like Australia,
Papua New Guinea and Jordan, the 45,000-seat Nelson
Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, and
the Welcome Pavillion (providing shopping, resting and
leisure opportunities) on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island, a former
desert area holding many touristic attractions.
One of the most striking buildings BAM International
has worked on is the Al Bidda Tower in Doha, Qatar,
completed in May 2009. Twisting and turning like a
challenged cobra, it rises 234 metres above the city’s
West Bay area. The tower’s 43 office floors and huge
atrium-style penthouse floor house commercial space,
business centres, showrooms, restaurants, an art gallery,
an outdoor café and a health club. The façade consists
of 93 pre-assembled mainframe panels per floor, of
which only four glazed subframes per floor are alike. The
average installation time per floor was one whole week.
In June 2015, Nakheel awarded Van Oord a contract
to deliver 23.5 kilometres of coastline for the Deira
Islands project. The work involves shaping 8.5 km of new
beaches, 3.5 km of quay walls, 9.5 km of rock edges and 2
km of breakwaters. It will be completed under a two-year
contract, covering work on two of the four islands.
In May 2003, the idea was launched for The World, an
artificial archipelagos of around 300 islands resembling
a world map. Nakheel first turned to Ronald Stive, a
Leading Professional of Royal HaskoningDHV, to design
a 25 km long, ellipse-shaped artificial reef in water
depths of 10-17 m. The reef should create a sheltered,
lake type of oval sea area of some 6 by 9 km in order to,
once completed, enable the construction and ‘survival’
of the archipelago’s development. Thereupon Nakheel
approached Van Oord to construct the reef and realise
this enormous island group. On 10 January 2008, 321
million cubic metres of sand and 386 million tons of rock
later, the job was done. Although 60% of the islands had
been sold to private contractors when the credit crisis
erupted, development of real estate on the vast majority
of the islands hasn’t taken off yet.
In October 2013, a consortium consisting of BAM
International and Van Oord was awarded the contract
for the design and construction of a new container
terminal and marine access in Moín, Costa Rica. During
the three-year project, BAM International will construct
the 650 m quay wall, as well as the pavement, associated
buildings and all utilities. The scope of work for Van Oord
consists of the construction of a 1.5 km rock breakwater,
reclamation of an area of 40 hectares, including soil
improvement works and the dredging of the access
channel and turning basin.
Boskalis creates first artificial real estate island in the
Americas
Headquartered in Papendrecht is Royal Boskalis
Westminster, or Boskalis for short, a major global
maritime services provider operating in the
dredging, inland infra and offshore energy sectors in over
75 countries. In 1910, a group of families had started it
under the name Bos & Kalis.
One of the most important infrastructure improvements
of the 21st century is undeniably the Panama Canal.
With the expansion of the Canal, the extension of the
container port of Balboa on the Pacific Ocean-side
became a necessity. In 2007, Panama Ports Company
awarded Boskalis a contract for the construction of
additional port area, a retaining rock dike and a link
structure to two existing berths. This required dredging,
reclamation and improvement of water and land areas.
Soon after, the company was called upon again, this time
to build a completely new berth, capable of handling
ships of huge sizes.
In January 2008, Nakheel announced plans for The
Universe, a man-made archipelago looking like the Milky
Way and the solar system. But the economic crisis put
this project on hold, too.
In 2014, Van Oord completed establishing yet another
artificial island in Dubai, Jumana Island, which will be
used for urban development.
BAM: from container terminals to football stadiums
What started in 1869 as a carpentry workshop run
by Adam van der Wal is now Royal BAM Group, a
successful group of companies, headquartered in Bunnik,
with activities in 30 countries around the globe. The
abbreviation BAM refers to the old full name, Bataafsche
Aanneming Maatschappij (Batavian Contracting
Company).
BAM is active in the sectors construction and property,
23
In 2012, one of VolkerWessels’s operating companies, SPT
Offshore, performed the engineering for the installation
of the 79 m high offshore Hong Kong Met Mast. This
data mast measures environmental data (wind, waves,
current, etc.) for a future wind farm. The suction pile
foundation was inserted 30 m into the water and 12 m
into the seabed. It was the first time that suction caisson
technology was applied in Hong Kong. The installation
only took 30 minutes!
Also in Panama, Boskalis created the very first artificial
real estate island in the Americas. Called Santa Maria, it’s
situated south of Panama City’s Punta Pacifica area and
connected to the shore by a bridge. The name refers to
one of the vessels used by Christopher Columbus on his
first transatlantic voyage in 1492. In February 2013, the
final quality control tests were conducted successfully
and the island was handed over to the client, Ocean Reef
Islands. On the drawing board, there are already plans for
realising a second island, La Pinta, also named after one
of Columbus’ ships, but this has not been greenlighted
given yet.
Some of the other activities Boskalis has undertaken are
extending the cruise terminal in Nassau, the Bahamas
(to handle mega-cruisers), constructing a new port
terminal at Superporto do Açu in Brazil (expected to
become one of the largest port complexes in the world),
constructing parts of a new harbour in Helsinki, Finland,
and conducting immersion survey work for the Øresund
Tunnel between the Danish capital Copenhagen and the
Swedish city Malmö.
In 2013, another affiliate, Volker Stevin International,
started performing civil and building works for the new
Électricité de France diesel power plant on the French
part of the island of Saint Martin. The provided services
consist of demolition work, on-site investigations, design
and construction of a three-story office, an engine hall,
outlying support buildings, road works and the associated
services, including storm water drainage and landscaping.
Just some of VolkerWessels’ other international projects
are the first immersed concrete tunnel in Latin America,
currently under construction in Coatzacoalcos, Mexico,
rehabilitation of Gatwick Airport near London, a
Metrolink line in Manchester (the largest light rail scheme
in the UK) and a sturdy construction for the Tay Road
Bridge in Scotland to protect it from serious ship impacts.
VolkerWessels: real estate development, civil
engineering and more
Another big Dutch player on the international
construction and infrastructure market is VolkerWessels,
which has its headquarters in Amersfoort. It started
in 1854, when Adriaan Volker set up an independent
building contractor.
VolkerWessels is a group of around 120 companies,
operating in fields such as real estate development, civil
engineering, road and railway construction, network
infrastructure (cables and pipelines), plant and machinery
management, telecommunications infrastructure and
consulting.
The artificial island Santa Maria, taking shape off the coast of Panama City.
(Photo: Royal Boskalis Westminster)
Other companies
Other Dutch construction and/or infrastructure
enterprises that have spread its wings across the border
as well. These include, to name just a few, Heijmans,
Ballast Nedam, Strukton and TBI.
As outlined here, the Dutch construction and infra
industry has built the most imaginative and impressive
constructions abroad. But it has also built something
that’s equally, if not more important: a solid reputation.
24
Dutch/Flemish
movies
lucifer
October 2015 saw the 59th
edition of the London Film
Festival (bfi.org.uk/lff) take
place, and among the many films
on offer there were several of
particular interest to us here at
Holland Focus. This issue, we’ll
take a look at Lucifer, which
is the new film from Flemish
director Gust Van den Berghe
(whose Little Baby Jesus of
Flandr was reviewed in the July/
August 2010 edition of this
magazine).
Lucifer is the final part of a
trilogy that commenced with
the aforementioned Little Baby
Jesus and continued with Blue
Bird. For this new film, Van den
Berghe and his collaborators
developed a system called
Tondoscope, in which the action
unfolds in a circle as opposed
to the rectangular aspect ratio
viewers are used to. Watching a
film in this format takes a little bit of adjusting to (as it did
last year with another LFF title, Mommy, which played in
a perfect square, or 1:1 ratio), but it’s a choice that proves
to be as successful as it is brave; the film’s world-shaped
image seemingly allows us a rare sense of focus on a story
that’s at once both intimate and universal.
Lucifer is based on a work by famed Dutch playwright
Joost Van den Vondel, and sees the title character
words Darren Arnold
-- the infamous fallen angel
-- spend some time on earth
as he descends from heaven
(via a ladder) en route to hell.
Lucifer appears to be a welcome
source of help to the villagers
he encounters, but ultimately
(and predictably) leaves little but
sorrow.
While the film’s story can be
summed up in a few lines, the
unique experience of Lucifer is
considerably more difficult to
describe; the work it can perhaps
be most easily compared to is
Carlos Reygadas’ astonishing
2012 film Post Tenebras Lux,
which also saw the devil circulate
among us mortals. Just as with
Reygadas’ film, Lucifer is largely
inaccessible, frequently baffling
and occasionally brilliant; it
makes for a memorable couple
of hours of real cinema, although
it could just as easily play as an
art installation -- in which sense it’s similar to yet another
LFF title from last year, Aleksey German’s Hard to be a
God.
Outside of the festival circuit, Lucifer may well be a
difficult film to track down, as its release will almost
certainly be very limited, so if you do get the chance to
see it, please take it; it’s as rewarding as it is difficult.
We’ll have more LFF coverage in the next issue, and keep
in mind that you can read reviews of other films that
played at the festival at:
letterboxd.com/hollandfocus/films/diary.
25
SHULBACH introduces Dutch
sjoelbak to Australian homes
Made in Holland from quality hardwoods, SHULBACH
is designed to be passed down from generation to
generation. Its slim profile makes it easy to pack away
when not in use, while the foldable version of SHULBACH
is ideal for taking on road trips and family holidays.
While the concept is new to Australians, SHULBACH has
been popular in European households for decades, says
Chris van den Bergh, managing director of MontiToys.
com. “SHULBACH is one of those games found in
almost every home in Holland and Belgium. It’s
even played in schools, holiday resorts, aged care
facilities and workplaces that value giving employees
some rest and recreation – and time away from the
computer. I’m very excited to introduce more Australians
to SHULBACH,” continued Mr van den Bergh.
Dutch furniture manufacturer, Schilte, only uses
timber suppliers certified with the Programme for the
Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) Council. The
PEFC is a global organisation endorsing sustainable forest
management through forest certification and labelling
of forest-based products. Products with the PEFC
claim provide consumers with confidence that the raw
material originates from sustainably-managed forests.
Furthermore, SHULBACH complies with the Australian
Forestry Standard, a local representative body of the
PEFC.
Known as a Sjoelbak and the
game is called Sjoelen, this classic
game of skill can be played sitting
or standing and engages the mind with
its unique scoring system.
Perfect for playing amongst family and friends, from
the young to the elderly, SHULBACH is designed to offer
ample entertainment and has inspired competitive
tournaments of the game which are hosted around the
world. SHULBACH is played using 30 wooden pucks that
slide across a long timber surface divided, at the end,
by four slots, each with a unique set of points. Pucks are
concaved on both sides, allowing only the edges of the
puck to travel down the board.
The objective of SHULBACH is to create as many ‘sets’ as
possible to increase individual scores. A set comprises of
one puck in all four slots, which doubles the score, while
each residual puck constitutes as one point. The highest
score possible is 156. Pucks are tallied and a winner is
selected based on the highest number of points.
Pricing and availability
SHULBACH Dutch shuffleboard, RRP $239
SHULBACH foldable Dutch shuffleboard, RRP $299
For enquiries, visit MontiToys.com or phone 02 6601 7278.
26
A taste of Australia
delivered to Europe’s door
If only we could bottle Australia’s unique landscapes,
endless blue skies and fresh air. In many respects,
Australian wine does – a sip of a quality Barossa Shiraz
certainly has the ability to transport you to a sun-soaked
field flanked by fragrant gums.
Spreading a bit of Australian cheer to the northern
hemisphere is waterthroughgrapes.com.au, an online
distributor of fine Australian wine to the European and
UK market.
Carefully selected quality wines from
Australia’s many rich and diverse wine
making regions are packaged up and delivered to the
door of your family, friends or business associates in
Europe. So whilst it may be cold and grey outside, loved
ones in Europe can enjoy a touch of the ‘lucky country’.
From their centrally located Hamburg warehouse,
waterthroughgrapes.com.au can deliver throughout the
European community within three to ten business days,
making it not only an ideal special occasion or Christmas
present but also perfect for last minute gifts.
There are no nasty exchange rate surprises as your order
is paid for in Australian dollars, plus all the notoriously
tricky customs and freight hassles are taken care of so
that the only thing you need to worry about is what
wines to send.
Waterthroughgrapes.com.au offers gift packs in sets of
three, six or twelve bottles, alternatively you can make
your own personalised selection or send single bottles
of wine. All gift packs can be sent with an accompanying
personal message.
GOURMET
TEFAL
Gourmet en Raclette Sets
verkrijgbaar bij
SYNCRO AUSTRALIA
www.syncroelec.com.au
So whether it is a corporate gift, sending
a present to a homesick Aussie abroad or
wanting to share a taste of your Australian life
with European family, waterthroughgrapes.
com.au can bring a taste of Australia to the
lips of Europe.
Wine as gifts can be ordered online at
www.waterthroughgrapes.com.au
176 Old Bowling Green Rd,
Palmwoods
Qld 4555 Australia
tel: +61 (0)7 54788663
de sfeervolle en lekkerste manier om gezellig samen te zijn.
Tevens uw adres voor alles op het gebied van radio communicatie,
CB's, amateur en marine radio's.
Iets op afstand te bedienen, wij maken dat voor U.
27
SAIL BACK IN
TIME WITH THE
STS LEEUWIN II
Sail in the steps of famous Dutch
sailor and explorer Dirk Hartog
28
The STS Leeuwin II is offering an exclusive
opportunity to join a historical voyage
along the WA coastline to commemorate
the 400th anniversary of the first Dutch
contact with Western Australia made by
Dutch sailor and explorer Dirk Hartog.
On the 25th October 1616 Dirk Hartog made landfall
with his ship the Eendracht at the landmark soon
to be known as Dirk Hartog Island in Western
Australia’s iconic Shark Bay area.
As part of the anniversary celebrations next year,
Western Australia’s own tall ship, the STS Leeuwin
II, will offer history and sailing enthusiasts the
unique opportunity to sail in Dirk Hartog’s steps,
experiencing a taste of life aboard a traditional
1850s style vessel.
Sailing enthusiasts will be invited to join the
voyage which will depart from Fremantle on the
14th October 2016 and arrive in Shark Bay on the
21st October 2016.
The STS Leeuwin II is a 3-masted Barquentine with
more than 810 square metres of sail and an overall
length of 55 metres.
The vessel is a working ship and all voyage
participants will be invited to engage in all aspects
of ship operations from sailing, steering and
navigating to cleaning the ship, standing night
watch and climbing the 33-metre main mast.
The original Leeuwin (Dutch for ‘Lioness’) Galleon
was a Dutch ship that discovered and mapped
some of the southwest corner of Australia in
March 1622.
29
The Leeuwin Galleon was only the seventh
European ship to sight the continent just six years
after the first recorded European landfall by Dirk
Hartog.
Cape Leeuwin, the most south-westerly point of the
Australian mainland was also given the historic Dutch
name by English Navigator and Cartographer Captain
Matthew Flinders in December 1801.
Participants aged over 18 interested in joining the exclusive
Leeuwin voyage can receive more information or register
their interest by sending the Leeuwin Foundation an email
to esther@sailleeuwin.com listing their name and date of
birth.
Background information
The Leeuwin Ocean Adventure Foundation is a not-forprofit organisation based in Fremantle, Western Australia.
We are an award-winning provider of experiential
learning and leadership development programs, mainly
aimed at young people aged 14-25.
The Foundation’s mission is to challenge and inspire young
people to realise their personal potential and make a
positive contribution to the wider community, through the
unique medium of a tall sailing ship.
Leeuwin Ocean Adventure Foundation
PO BOX 1100
Phone: 08 9430 4105
Fremantle
Photos: Leeuwin
Dutch Clocks in Oz
• Zaanse, Sallanders,
Schippertjes,
Frisian Tail Clocks
• and a variety of other
clocks from Holland
located in Springwood, Qld, 4127
visit by appointment only
ring Rob Schmidt
on 0432 832 800
www.dutchclocksinoz.com.au
30
Sinterklaas inspiratie in de keuken
Na het succes van vorig jaar is hij er weer ‘Het Grote Sinterklaas
Kookboek’, van de hand van Anneke Ammerlaan en Yolanda van
der Jagt. Verrukkelijke recepten en tips voor de hele Sinterklaastijd:
van het aftellen naar de intocht tot de overgebleven restjes
snoepgoed. Naast de ruim 100 originele recepten staat het boek
bol van bijzondere surprise-ideeën, inspirerende foto’s en gezellige
achtergrondverhalen. Met 216 pagina’s en uitgevoerd in rood linnen
ziet het kookboek er bijna net zo uit als het echte grote boek van
Sinterklaas. Een inspiratiebron voor jong, oud, en iedereen die
Sinterklaas een warm hart toedraagt.
Oud en nieuw
De ongecompliceerde recepten voor alle dagen dat de Sint in het land
is, zijn elk jaar een succes. Klassiekers worden toegankelijk, terwijl
alledaagse gerechten een originele sinterklaastwist hebben gekregen.
Daarmee is het Grote Sinterklaas Kookboek zowel vernieuwend
als nostalgisch tegelijk en zo goed als tijdloos. Het kookboek is een
onuitputtelijke inspiratiebron voor een heerlijk Sinterklaasfeest, elk jaar
weer. Auteur en foodtrendwatcher Ammerlaan: ‘We zien dat steeds
meer mensen behoefte hebben om zelf aan de slag te gaan in de
keuken, vooral met de feestdagen.
Zo wordt pakjesavond ook een avond gezellig met elkaar eten’.
Recepten
De bekende kruidnoten, taaitaai en banketletters krijgen in dit boek een geheel nieuwe dimensie. Bijzondere
recepten zijn o.a. gehaktballen met kruidnootjes en marsepein gemaakt van dadels. Daarnaast passeren
diverse moderne varianten de revue, zoals quinoa-kruidnootjes, worstletter en het chocolademelkbuffet.
Uiteraard ook veel aandacht voor hartige kost zoals boerenkoolsigaren en de aardappelmijter. Creatief culinair
specialist Yolanda van der Jagt: ‘Ik heb me laten inspireren door zowel mijn kinderen als mijn eigen jeugd, vandaar dat
het een mooie mix is geworden van klassiekers en hedendaagse receptuur’.
Informatie en bestellen via www.hetgrotesinterklaaskookboek.nl Het boek is ook verkrijgbaar via de (online) boeken kookwinkel.
ISBN 9789082245509, Prijs: €22,50
In de voetsporen van de filmploeg
Topfotografen Frans Lemmens en Marjolijn van Steeden trokken een jaar lang
in de voetsporen van de filmploegen van de natuurfilm Holland - Natuur
in de Delta door Nederland om een fascinerend beeldverhaal samen te
stellen. Recentelijk verscheen het resultaat: het groot formaat fotoboek
Holland - Natuur in de Delta, behorend bij de gelijknamige bioscoopfilm
en opvolger van de succesvolle natuurfilm De Nieuwe Wildernis.
‘Doordat we konden profiteren van de expertise en voorbereidingen van
de filmploegen, natuurorganisaties, wetenschappers en overheden zijn
we in staat geweest in korte tijd de beste en mooiste locaties voor onze
beelden te vinden. We hebben ons land afgelopen jaar gezien als nooit
tevoren.’
Holland – Natuur in de Delta is een (her)ontdekking van Nederland; een
ode aan onze rivieren, het kustgebied en de rijke natuur die zij onze delta
brengen. Een reis door de tijd door de ogen van dieren die de rivierdelta al
lang voor ons bevolkten. Denk aan de machtige zeearend, de koning van de delta. De bever die, net als mensen, barrières
in het water bouwt en geulen graaft. Maar ook de haas, ‘de cheetah van de polder’, het onbekende pimpernelblauwtje
en het stekelbaarsje dat een epische reis maakt naar zijn paaigronden, zijn hoofdrolspelers.
Als leidraad is voor het thema ‘water’ gekozen. De reis door de delta, van bron naar zee, geeft je een bijzonder beeld
van de wijze waarop de mens het landschap naar zijn hand heeft gezet en hoe de natuur daar weer op reageert. Intieme
dierenportretten en majestueuze landschappen wisselen elkaar af.
Het thema van de film en boek sluit inhoudelijk aan op tal van lopende en toekomstige projecten die zich richten op
natuurontwikkeling en (water)veiligheid. Het verhaal van de film is een herontdekking van Nederland. Internationaal
een showcase van de Nederlandse identiteit: natuurmakers en watermanagers.
De trailer van de film: www.youtube.com/watch?v=JyBuEKW2dlE
192 pagina’s, € 24,95 - ISBN 9789079703180 : Nederlands
ISBN 9789079703203 : 2-talig Ned/Engels
Voor bestellingen vanuit het buitenland kunt u contact opnemen met de uitgever
31
XAVIER
BROUWER
career juggling IT and Theater
We attended his latest play Grey Lobotomy in Melbourne
and had a great time.
Some questions we asked Xavier Brouwer.
Xavier Brouwer is a musical theatre writer, who composes
and produces his own musicals.
Xavier was born 1972. He was only sixteen and still at
high school when he started writing and producing,
helped by a revolutionary programme at the primary
school and college he attended. He played violin and
trumpet and then studied different instruments.
Where you born in Australia, are both your parents
Dutch?
I was born in France to a Dutch father born in the Dutch
East Indies and a Dutch-Italian mother who was also born
in Indonesia!
His teenage rock musical called Hey! (1988) and a one-act
jazz musical called Jesse Christopher (1989), turned into
a two-act musical with Richard O’Shaughnessy in 2004,
which set the Passion of Christ in New York in the 1920s.
Could you tell me a bit about your background?
I grew up in Sydney, then Melbourne, and spent most of
my time at high school playing music and writing and
producing musicals. I then studied music composition
for a few years in Frankfurt, Germany, before returning
to Australia to learn more about theatre at the Union
Theatre at Melbourne University.
After high school Xavier moved to Frankfurt to study
composition at Dr Hoch’s Konservatorium and he later
returned to Australia where he studied opera.
Back in Melbourne, Xavier deepened his performing
arts experience by producing, directing, lighting and
performing in a variety of musicals, choirs, plays, modern
dance pieces and theatre-in-education touring shows,
including at the famous performing arts incubator of the
Union House Theatre at Melbourne University.
Composing and writing musicals is not your day job, is it?
What is your day job?
I am an I.T. Architect during the day, to pay the bills of
course. Designing computer systems is a creative process
and is not that far off designing musicals, actually!
Xavier’s most well-known musical to date has been
MACKILLOP (2008), a dramatic musical on the life of
Australia’s first saint, Mary MacKillop. (source: Xavier’s
Website).
Would you like to be a fulltime composer/writer?
Wouldn’t we all! However if you look through history
very few people could afford to be full-time artists, and
32
for the rare ones there were usually strings attached, e.g.
needing to paint portraits of boring rich people to keep
the money coming in.
Would that be feasible?
If you are lucky to be one of the few music theatre writers
to have a large enough royalty income stream (e.g.
Stephen Sondheim and Stephen Schwartz), then yes.
Where do you get the ideas for the musicals? How many
have you made so far?
I look around everyday life to find interesting stories. For
example, I was reading biographies of famous Australians
and realised that the story of Mary MacKillop would
make a great musical as her complicated life could be
condensed on stage and the music would give it an
emotional punch. I have written and had produced five
musicals over 25 years.
Are you involved with the production as well?
Depending on the show and which organisation wants
to produce it, I can just be the writer, or also producer, or
even the music director or director.
Your MacKillop musical was an enormous success, are
you catholic and are you inspired by her.
I’m what you call a lapsed Catholic as I believe the Church
has lost sight of the key elements of Christianity, although
Pope Francis is certainly trying his best to change this
for the better. Mary MacKillop was an amazing woman
who set up schools and refuges across Australia and New
Zealand despite significant forces working against her, so
she is a great role model to draw inspiration from.
What motivated you to write that musical?
I felt that it was a great Australian story about a
remarkable woman that needed to be told to the wider
public.
Was Grey’s Lobotomy as successful?
Grey’s Lobotomy was a hit with the many healthcare
workers who came to see it as it gave them an
opportunity to laugh at the often dysfunctional system
they work in! Some of the more sophisticated
Melbourne theatre-going audience found
it a bit low-brow for their taste, however it
is meant to be a medical revue on steroids
rather than a Shakespearean tragedy.
What inspired you to make this musical?
All around me I was hearing stories of
ramping at hospitals, and lack of nurses
and funding, and some of my doctor and
paramedic friends were giving me some
great insights in the system. A dysfunctional
system is a great target for satire, which
actually has the ultimate aim of forcing
society to acknowledge a systemic issue and
fix it!
How do you decide the time a musical will go
for?
My last musical, DIVE, ran for 70 minutes
with no interval as I wanted to make the
audience feel trapped in the pressure-cooker
rooming house as the characters were,
with no escape until the tragic end. With
Grey’s Lobotomy, as there was so much
material in the health system to satirise and
parody, I adopted a two-act structure with a
cliffhanger at the end of Act I so the audience
would want to come back after interval to see
if the protagonist survives!
33
“Kick Down Under”
a World Championship FIRST
for Australia
An amazing event is going to happen in July 2016 on
the Gold Coast. The Australian Footbike Association
is organizing the World Championships in what is for
Australia a relatively new sport but well known already in
several European countries, especially in the Netherlands.
“Stepping” (Footbiking) has been going there for at least
30 years.
Australia won a bid to host the Footbike World
Championships in 2016. This is the first time that the
Championships have been held outside Europe. Bruce
Cook, President of Australian Footbike Association Inc
(AFA) encourages enthusiasts “to get training and be with
us as we welcome and take on the best in the world!”
The large Dutch team hoping to participate is organized
by Margriet and Mario Reijne from Woudenberg. They
hope to achieve significant sponsorships for the trip
from Dutch businesses operating in Australia. Their
Stepteam High Level of 50 people is one of the largest
clubs in the Netherlands; 40 of them are competitive
steppers. Altogether five men and four women from
the Netherlands qualified to participate in the World
Championship in Australia. Mario is the current European
champion in the time trials. Their daughters Maxime and
Rosanna are also top performers. Rosanne is in fact the
2014 World Champion in no less than four major events
held in the Czech Republic in that year. More information
about the sport in the Netherlands can be found here:
www.stepteamhighlevel.nl and www.autoped.nl
They are busily engaged collecting 80,000 empty bottles,
a campaign that started in April in the Netherlands. The
goal is to collect EURO 20,000 (AUS $30,000). Details of
the campaign can be found here:
http://www.80000legeflessen.nl/aftrap-lege-flessenactie/
Organising this first international event has stretched the
Australian Footbike Association to the limit and they too
need sponsors. Originally it was planned for Brisbane but
difficulties with local conditions necessitated a change
of venue. Mr. Cook reported: “we have now secured the
whole event on the Gold Coast, only 20kms from Surfers
Paradise, and all our Iconic theme parks. We will be based
out of the Sports Super Centre at Runaway Bay, which
will also have some dormitory style accommodation and
meals for all competitors, supporters and volunteers”.
Cook calmed the many European competitors saying
“although it is going to be winter here, our daytime
temperatures will still get to 20 plus degrees, and
competitors can even swim at the beaches”. The program in July looks ambitious to say the least.
Registration is on Thursday 7th July 2016 at the Sports
Super Centre followed by the official welcome and Aussie
BBQ dinner. The next day there will a sprint qualifying
session. Kids events feature throughout the period. On
that day there will be “open fun racing” for them. On
the Saturday, again, there is Kids and Cadet racing on a
Criterium circuit ranging from 1.2km to 4.8km depending
on age, followed by prize giving. Major adult events start
on Saturday with Criterium racing for Women, 10km
and later Criterium racing Men 10km. This is followed by
relays in the afternoon. Marathons follow on the Sunday:
first for women (42.195 km) then for boys and girl cadets
(20 km) followed by the men’s marathon (42.195kms).
A country beach volleyball is included as a final event. A
dinner and farewell party will complete the first World
Championship Footbike in Australia.
This has the making of a new sport and, possibly, a
new holiday pastime for the Gold Coast. It should be
of interest to major corporations to have their name
prominently associated with it.
Compiled by: Klaas Woldring,
Dutch Australian Cultural Centre, Sydney.
www.footbike.com.au
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3pk269n2iX0
Members of Stepteam High Level
34
Mirusia returns home to tour Australia
April to August 2016 - Tickets on Sale now
For the past nine years the thirty year old
• Full name: Mirusia Louwerse
Australian has toured extensively around the
• Australian-Dutch nationality
globe as Star soprano for André Rieu. She has
speaks English and Dutch fluently
achieved recognition as a true international
• Released five solo albums
performer, singing many styles of music including
• Studied at the Queensland
opera, musical theatre, pop and jazz. Mirusia
Conservatorium of Music
has come a long way since studying opera at the
• Her version of Ave Maria has
Queensland Conservatorium, who, at the age
over 27 million views on YouTube
of 21, became the youngest ever winner of the
• Only classical artist with an ARIA
prestigious Dame Joan Sutherland Opera Award.
No. 1 Chart Award
• International Ambassador of
Having established her career worldwide as an
the ‘Australian Children’s Music
accomplished international performer, Mirusia
Foundation’
also tours solo, working the culturally rich
• Youngest winner of the Joan
European Theatres with her Chamber Orchestra
Sutherland Opera Award
and Australian MD Graeme Press (MD for The
• Title latest album: My Favorite
Seekers 50th year celebrations, Judith Durham &
Things
Carols in the Domain).
• Named The Unconventional Pop
In 2012 Mirusia performed to sold-out audiences
Star by Australian media
around Australia on her “Home Tour”, including a
highlight performance at Sydney Opera House.
2016 sees Mirusia returning to home shores to
present a two hour classical-crossover program with
the backing of her Chamber Orchestra which includes a
Strings Section, Harp, Percussion, Double Bass,
Grand Piano and Choral Singers. Her repertoire
features songs from her Award Winning Albums, The Lost White Tribes of Australia Part 1:
1656 The First Settlement of Australia
including Ave Maria, Romanza, Memory,
Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again, All I
A small community, all as white as
Ask Of You, and her own compositions.
himself, he said about 300; that they
“Often hailed as ‘the voice of an angel’ Mirusia
lived together within a great wall to
sings with a translucent, crystal voice that
defend them from black men; that
leaves audiences with ‘goose bumps on goose
their father came here 170 years ago
bumps!’” says Press.” “It has been my pleasure
from a distant land across the sea …
to work with Mirusia on her solo tours and
Lt Robert Dale 1832 WA
she delivers an exquisite performance of the
best of the classical, music theatre, crossover repertoire. Whether Ave Maria, Panis
An Ideal Gift
Angelicus or Joe Cocker’s ‘You Are So Beautiful’,
Includes Free $20,000 scratchie (NSW
the discerning listeners are quickly aware that
Lotteries)
they are in the presence of one of today’s most
Free gift wrapping and
inspirational, versatile and soulful voices and
autograph upon request.
personalities.”
Her new album This Time Tomorrow will be
released in 2016, containing classical and
Only $44 Parcel Post or
musical songs. ”The focus of the album and
$48 Express Post.
the tour is offering a brighter tomorrow”, says
Multiple copies to the ONE address:
Mirusia. ”Music can transport people and help
Two books: $74
them in times of struggle, sadness and stress. So
Three books: $104
many of my fans who have contacted me, feel
like they are whisked away momentarily from
the world, when they listen to my music. This is
Send cheque to:
why I love what I do. I want to help people, and
Henry Van Zanden
to do this through music is magical.”
PO Box 49N
Campbelltown North
NSW 2560
35
Pay by PayPal, visit:
australiadiscovered.com.au
Herman Melville’s studio where he wrote Moby Dick, photo Pabla Schanchez, Prague
Dutch Explorer
Herman Melville He ventured about as far as any Dutch explorer, but most
people don’t know he’s Dutch at all.
Herman Melville, who hung out with cannibals in the
South Seas before writing such books as “Moby Dick”,
was the son of Maria Gansevoort and the grandson of
Revolutionary War hero Peter Gansevoort.
Peter Gansevoort was born in Albany, New York, in July
1749, entering the region’s Dutch aristocracy. His family
had lived for nearly a century in Albany, which once was
the Dutch colony Fort Orange. His great-grandfather was
master brewer Harmen Harmense van Gansevoort, who
came to Fort Orange in the mid-1650s and established
a brewery. More than 100 years later, Peter Gansevoort
was operating the family brewery, according to Laurie
Robertson-Lorant’s “Melville: A Biography”.
When the American Revolutionary War broke out,
Gansevoort joined the Albany militia. His tall, imposing
presence and prominent family connections enabled him
to climb the ranks and attain the position of Colonel.
But he would prove himself courageous as well as
connected. His heroic legacy rests on his August 1777
defence of Fort Stanwix, which prevented the British
Herman Melville, Library of Congress,
by Joseph O. Eaton, etcher unknown
words Ray Cavanaugh
36
Oil painting of American Revolutionary War General Peter Gansevoort, 1794,
Original is in the Munson-Williams-Proctor Institute of Art, painting by Gilbert
Stuart
brother named Gansevoort. He was baptized into the
South Reformed Dutch Church.
According to Andrew Delbanco’s “Melville: His World
and Work”, it was from his mother that Herman received
the “rudiments of a religious education”. And she
“chastised him well into adulthood for his spotty church
attendance”.
Though the son may not have been the most fastidious
churchgoer, his thinking often took a religious bent. The
biblical stories and characters that his mother introduced
him to remained “vividly alive” in the future writer’s
imagination.
During his early childhood, Melville enjoyed a highly
pampered life that included multiple servants. In truth,
however, Melville’s father was living far beyond his means
and borrowed vast sums from both sides of the family,
particularly from his mother-in-law.
When Melville was age 12, his father died from the
effects of a frigid two-day carriage ride from New York
City to Albany. Melville’s formal schooling ceased after his
father’s death, and he took a job as a clerk.
In his late adolescence, he made a brief attempt at
being a schoolteacher, before choosing to head out to
sea. On 3 January 1841, he boarded a whaling ship in
Massachusetts that sailed around Cape Horn and headed
penetration of New York State. In the aftermath of this
event, American founding father John Adams remarked:
“Gansevoort has proven that it is possible to hold a fort.”
Gansevoort received a huge plot of land from the U.S.
government in honour of his military success. There, he
lived with his wife Catherine Van Schaick, with whom he
had five children, including Maria Gansevoort (Herman
Melville’s mother). He later served as sheriff of Albany
County and made an unsuccessful run for U.S. Senator,
before dying in Albany at age 62 on 2 July 1812.
His daughter, Maria Gansevoort, was “raised to conform
to the highest standard of Dutch womanhood,” according
to “Melville: A Biography”. She perfected her needlework,
attended the local dancing school, took piano lessons
twice a week, and read considerably, though she was
warned that some fiction could place unsuitable ideas
into her head.
On a more wholesome level, she devotedly read two
Bibles – one in English, the other in Dutch: the language
she had grown up speaking, despite living in America.
On 14 October 1814, she married Allan Melville – a drygoods merchant who came from a prominent Boston
family – at the North Dutch Reformed Church in Albany.
Herman Melville was born in New York City on 1 August
1819. He was the third of eight children, including a
37
final chase by I. W. Taber
38
Dick” brought very mixed reviews in its day. And ensuing
Melville works, such as “Pierre; or The Ambiguities”, were
received unfavourably.
Adding to the disappointment of his declining popularity,
Melville’s eldest son committed suicide (reportedly right
after arguing with his father), and his second son also
died prematurely.
When Melville died at age 72 in New York City on 28
September 1891, his books had been out of print for
more than a decade.
It seemed that he was falling into obscurity, but the 20th
century saw a renewed appreciation for his body of work.
A movement called the “Melville Revival” surfaced and, in
1945, The Melville Society was established.
Herman Melville is now a titan of literature: His travels of
the South Seas are the stuff of legend, and scholars have
endeavoured to plunge the depths of his psyche. But,
perhaps owing to his English surname, his Dutch roots
often go overlooked.
drawing by Paul Lasaine (About 1930)
into the South Pacific.
After spending 18 months on this voyage, Melville chose
to desert his ship while on the Marquesas Islands of
French Polynesia. He lived with native peoples of the
islands who – though they practised cannibalism – were
kind enough to him.
Melville eventually boarded an Australian whaling ship
that headed to Tahiti. There was mutiny on this ship, and
he had to serve time in prison on the island of Nuku Hiva
in the South Pacific.
Following his release from prison, additional ship
voyages, and a lengthy stopover in Hawaii, he finally
made it back to America’s eastern coast in October 1844.
Drawing on his extensive travels and wild experiences,
he proceeded to author such books as “Typee: A Peep at
Polynesian Life”, “Omoo: A Narrative of Adventures in the
South Seas”, and, of course, his now-ubiquitous classic,
“Moby Dick”.
The first two works were a success. However, “Moby
kiwikorrels
Weka weka!
Frans Hertoghs
We hebben een huurder in onze tuin. We hebben er wel
vaak plezier van, maar we zijn er niet altijd blij mee. Het
is een weka, ook wel woodhen of boskip genoemd. De
weka – een Maori naam uit te spreken als wèkka – is een
inheemse, in levendig kastanjebruin uitgevoerde vogel uit
de familie van de rallen. Hij heeft er het zenuwachtige op
en neer wippen van zijn korte staart aan overgehouden.
Hij kan niet vliegen, en je ziet hem zelden fladderen, zo
kort zijn zijn onzichtbare vleugels geworden. Maar daar
zit hij niet mee. Zijn stevige en rappe poten brengen hem
overal waar hij heen wil.
Jaren geleden, toen we hier pas woonden, zag ik er op
een dag ineens een in de tuin. Ik was er van overtuigd
dat ik een heuse zeldzaam geworden kiwi had gezien.
Daar lijken ze namelijk best veel op. Maar het duurde niet
lang voor ik begreep dat deze weka geen kiwi was. Op
het eerste gezicht kun je ze nog wel verwarren, maar hun
korte, stevige ravensnavel lijkt nog niet op niet de lange
kromme bosgrondsnavel van de kiwi, met zijn gevoelige
neusgaten helemaal op de punt. Wij en onze weka kunnen goed met elkaar opschieten en nu is hij in onze tuin
niet meer weg te denken.
Onze weka lijkt sprekend op een kip maar dan wel met
een stevige snavel, die heel geschikt is voor vechten,
doden en slopen. En hij is misschien iets kleiner.
Hij kan wel zestig centimeter lang worden en
anderhalve kilo wegen. En hij gedraagt zich
als een kip. Maar dan
een eenzelvige
kip. Na het
broedseizoen zie je hem of haar met piepkleine kuikentjes rondscharrelen, maar al gauw zijn de kleintjes groot
en dan is hij weer alleen in onze tuin. Het is een echte
omnivoor. Een derde van zijn dieet bestaat uit kleine en
ook grotere beestjes, zoals salamanders, slakken en kevers. Ook eieren staan op zijn menu. Ook vogeltjes, ratten
en zelfs kleine konijntjes versmaadt hij niet. Twee derde
beslaat uit plantaardig voedsel, zoals fruit, zaden, bloemblaadjes en vooral afval. Geen composthoop is veilig voor
zijn fanatieke gegraaf. Maar wat hij er ook uithaalt, hij
zorgt altijd voor extra mest- en zuurstof, dus dat laten we
maar zo.
Het is een echte dag-en-nachtvogel. Overdag struint hij
onbekommerd rond. ’s Avonds hoor je zijn ongeduldige
geschreeuw. Meestal klinkt het behoorlijk onvriendelijk.
Waarschijnlijk is hij dan bezig met krachtig stemgeluid zijn
territorium tegen stiekeme onderkruipers te beveiligen.
Soms krijgt hij antwoord en dan schreeuwen ze gezellig
tegen elkaar in, het mannetje een paar tonen lager dan
het vrouwtje. Precies zoals het hoort. Je kunt hem ook bij
donker nog rond zien scharrelen, zodat we mogen aannemen dat hij in het donker prima kan zien.
Net als eksters zijn ze nieuwsgierig en geneigd tot
diefstal. Zo verzamelen ze allerlei interessante kleine
spulletjes. Liefst glimmend maar ook dingetjes die hun
nieuwsgierigheid opwekken zoals sleutels, zonnebrillen,
stoepkrijtjes en paspoorten. Het Departement of Conservation raadt af om de weka dan achterna te zitten –
dat is trouwens zinloos, ze zijn je altijd te snel af. Het
beste kun je zijn verzameling opsporen en
terugstelen als hij even niet thuis is.
Wij mogen hem wel. De weka is de Nieuw-Zeelandse
versie van onze vos. Slim, nieuwsgierig, hondsbrutaal en
volkomen ontembaar. Hij is voorzichtig maar beslist geen
schijtlaars. Elke dag betalen we hem onze belasting - een
soort omgekeerde huur – in de vorm van een korst brood
of een stukje afgekeurd fruit. Dan roepen we hem en al
gauw staat hij bij de achterdeur. Want dom is hij niet. Hij
weet waar Abraham de mosterd haalt. Hij is zelfs niet te
beroerd om het brood uit je hand te komen pikken. Maar
het is geen bedelaar. Hij graait het eten uit je hand als
een gauwdief of roofovervaller.
Probeer hem niet te vangen. Hij staat je gewoon uit te
lachen en verdwijnt op hoge poten in de bush. Onze
40
huurder heeft een obsessie voor schoenen met veters
to keepkeren
the thirteen
of kleine uitsteeksels. Verschillende
heeft hijrusks
gethat
come
in
a rollvan
fresh.
probeerd een veter los te rukken uit de schoen
eenFor
this
we
can
thank
Verkade,
bewonderaar. Een keer slaagde hij erin om in onze tuinDutch
company te
from
schuur een binnenzool uit eenthe
hoge
werkschoen
sloZaandam
that
first
started
pen. De eigenaar wist niet eens dat die los kon.
selling their rusks in a tin
in order
preserve
their
Als we hem per ongeluk vergeten
dantokomt
hij persoonfreshness.
lijk langs om zijn deel op te eisen. Hij loopt brutaal de
I must
to
keuken en de kamer in en piktAlthough,
keurend aan
eenadmit
kamernot
owning
a
tin
myself,
plant of een bosje bloemen. Nooit vergeet hij om een
and
to not
eating a whole
stinkende natte poep achter te
laten
op vloerbedekking
lot
of
rusks,
I still have
a
of parket. Als hij ziet dat de deuren dicht zitten
gaat hij
weakness
for
them
and
will
voor de schuifdeuren paraderen. Daarbij kijkt hij vorsend
happily
indulge
in
them
naar binnen en weet precies van wie hij wel en van wie
timejeto
time.
hij niet een lekker beetje krijgt.from
Mocht
niet
snelEspegenoeg
cially
if
they’re
topped
reageren, dan tikt hij ongeduldig met zijn snavel tegenin
one of the following ways.
het raam.
Perhaps aOnder
bit ofmijn
inspiration,
Hij heeft verschillende woonplaatsen.
kanshould
you
want
try
toortje is een mooie frisse ruimte waar hij graagto
logeert.
something other than the
more traditional toppings.
Beschuit Vitello Tonato: Tuna salad, thinly sliced veal and
capers
Beschuit ‘Cupcake’: Cream cheese flavoured with sugar
and vanilla, sliced strawberries and freshly-grated dark
chocolate
Green Mean Beschuit: Sliced avocado, lime juice, olive oil
and garden cress
Beschuit Italiano: Pesto, mozzarella, cherry tomato and
basil
Sunshine Beschuit: Soft goat’s cheese, baby spinach and
sun-dried tomatoes
Beschuit Parisienne: Scrambled egg with black truffle
Beschuit Elvis: Peanut butter and sliced banana
Spanish Beschuit: Sliced Manchego cheese and figs
Nordic Beschuit: Cream cheese, smoked salmon and
chopped chives
Nutty Nutella Beschuit: Nutella and chopped hazelnuts
THE CLOG BARN
Experience the colour & charm of Holland
without leaving Coffs Harbour
Je ziet hem regelmatig met takjes, veertjes en klein afval
onder de vloer verdwijnen. Maar hij is ook dol op de citroenboom, die met zijn takken tot op de grond hangt en
van waaruit je erg comfortabel de keukendeur in de gaten
kunt houden, speciaal op een hete dag.
Toch is de weka kwetsbaar, al is hij nog niet bedreigd.
Honden, katten en fretten zijn hem de baas. Vorig jaar
heeft een hond op beschermd terrein veertien weka’s
doodgebeten. Wezels en ratten eten de jonkies en de
eieren. Zijn geliefde bossen moeten plaats maken voor
weiden en velden. Bij Maori staat hij nog steeds op het
menu. Mensen zijn ondankbare beheerders van hun
Moeder Aarde. De slimme weka spant ze graag voor zijn
karretje.
Weka’s zijn strenge maar toegewijde ouders. Beide
ouders voeden de jonkies – vaak een tweeling – op. Dat
houden ze maanden vol, tot de kuikens groot en sterk
zijn. Zelfs als ze haast niet meer van de ouders te onderscheiden zijn zie je ze nog bedelen om voedsel, dat ze
intussen best zelf kunnen
vinden. En ze krijgen het
nog ook. Tot op een dag de
ouders er schoon genoeg
van hebben. Dan krijgen hun
bedelende jongen letterlijk
op hun kop. Grote ruzie in de
achtertuin. Op een vroege
ochtend verdwijnen de ouders. De wijde wereld in. Een
paar dagen blijven de jongen
moederziel alleen achter
tegen beter weten in nog wat
napiepend. Maar dan kiezen
ze eieren voor hun geld en
gaan ook het bos in, om met
hun ouders te concurreren.
Precies zoals het hoort.
Volgend jaar komen ze vast
alle vier weer gezellig terug.
Clog Barn
Take a leisurely browse through the Clog Barn, where
you will discover a treasure of souvenirs - e.g. Delft blue
pottery - and special gifts and fascinating daily clog making
demonstrations. You can also view the North Coast’s largest
collection of Diecast Collectable cars and motorbikes.
Clog Making Demonstrations 3 times daily 11am, 2pm and 4pm.
www.clogbarn.com.au
Dutch Village
Don’t miss OMA’S COFFEE HOUSE
Delicious meals
Dutch pancakes, Croquettes,
Uitsmijter, Bitterballen, Poffertjes
Take a delightful stroll around
the model Dutch Village with
working windmills and working
trains! Free admission to the
Dutch Village.
A Family Fun Adventure
215 Pacific Highway, Coffs Harbour
phone: 02 6652 4633
open 7 days from 8 am
TTIP
“Weg met TTIP, weg met TTIP”, more than
7000 protesters march through the streets of
Amsterdam, on October 10. They want to make
clear what they stand for. No signing of TTIP, the
Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership
between the USA and Europe.
The Netherlands stands not alone in its fears
and protests. Simultaneous with Amsterdam,
about 150,000 people protest in Berlin against
TTIP. Together with Madrid, Helsinki, Warsaw
and Prague, about a quarter of a million
people spoke out against TTIP. Earlier in the
Netherlands 115,000 people signed a petition
against TTIP. In the first week of October, over
3.5 million protest signatures were handed to
the European Committee. This is more than
sufficient to demand a symposium.
42
words and photos Birgit Blankers
Europe has strict laws to guarantee food
safety and health regulations. Much stricter
than the USA. Many food additives permitted
in American food are forbidden in Europe,
but the main problem is growth hormones
in American meat and chickens washed in
chlorine. Also American dairy farmers inject
their cows with bovine somatotropin, a
hormone that stimulates the milk production,
but weakens the cow. Europe has stricter laws
on animal welfare and on social security for the
Europeans. Workers in Europe are much better
protected against unemployment, danger on
the work floor and illness. To the USA these
differences are an obstacle for transatlantic
business and the USA aims to equalize
European laws. This means that Europe will
most likely have to lower its standards in many
areas and millions of Europeans are against
this. But the worst part is that people were
hardly given information about TTIP. Only
journalists managed to find some information.
Especially TV presenter Arjen Lubach informed
people in his TV programme about TTIP.
ISDS
TTIP comes with Investment State Dispute
Settlement (ISDS) and the liberals believe
that this agreement is going to bring in a lot
of money and jobs, the protesters fear that
the agreement is going to cost many jobs,
mainly small businesses and small farmers
in Europe will be affected. They also believe
that European rules and standards about
environment and public health will have to
become less strict to match with the rules of
the USA. This is essential for the USA to sell
their products on the European market. This
will have consequences for animal welfare,
human health, jobs and the environment.
This also means that if Europe enforces new
rules on environment, safety, animal welfare
and public health, businesses from the USA
might see this as a profit barrier. This is where
ISDS comes in. Without going to court and
without making use of the existing legal system,
company lawyers and a lawyer from the specific
country plus a third lawyer will decide whether
the multinational company is right or not.
These disputes have never ever been lost by
multinational businesses. They can and will sue
the Dutch government, read Dutch taxpayers,
they will have to pay huge amounts of money,
money that will be withheld from education
and healthcare. Canada has experienced this
already and Germany too, when Angela Merkel
decided to close the Swedish made nuclear
plants in Germany after the nuclear disaster in
Fukushima. Germany is still paying millions of
Euros to Vattenfall, the owner of the nuclear
plants, to compensate for the loss of profits.
43
Protest
Reason enough for the Federal Dutch Workers Union, (FNV) the Political Party for Animals, Greenpeace
and many other environmental groups to participate in the biggest protest march in Amsterdam since
many years. An impressive volume resonates when thousands of people shout; “TTIP NEE, TTIP NEE”
while walking through the Rijksmuseum port. The band Brotherhood from Suriname accompanied the
protesters with tropical music. The atmosphere is great and peaceful. When a man starts a dispute with
a policewoman standing alongside the road; “You are being paid with our money”, one of the protesters,
pulls him back, saying; “Please sir, let’s keep it ‘gezellig’.
Marianne Thieme, Member of Parliament for the Political Party for Animals thanks the protesters for
showing up in such big numbers. Her party wants a symposium, “and if that doesn’t happen, TTIP is
off the table,” she says. The march finishes on De Dam. A Russian band, Kalio Gayo, plays happy music.
At around 15.30 hours some people return home, others participate in workshops about TTIP and
agriculture or healthcare.
Some join workshops about how to set up an anti TTIP committee in their own town or village.
Amsterdam was the first city to commit itself to be TTIP free. The organisers of the protest promise they
will not stop until every little town or big city in the Netherlands has its own TTIP committee.
44
PRINS WILLEM ALEXANDER VILLAGE
Netherlands Retirement Village Association Of Queensland Inc.
What are your plans
for the future?
Imagine living in an environment that reminds you of “back home”.
Inspired by the traditional “Zaanse” style architecture, the village offers
many choices in accommodation and lifestyle, from independent living
to the highest of care. There are 74 independent living units, 44 Hostel
units, 14 one bedroom apartments and a 64 bed Nursing Home.
Enjoy our friendly and happy environment. Many members of our
dedicated staff speak Dutch as well as English, because we realise the
importance of the mother tongue.
You may like to visit the village and discuss your options for moving into
this ideal village facility. Just ring us first to make an appointment, so we
can be available to discuss opportunities for you.
Prins Willem Alexander Village
62 Collingwood Road, Birkdale
Tel.: (07) 3822 0800
Email: admin@dutchvillage.com.au
a new care facility is presently under construction
Discover
the Ice Age
in unique
peat moor
words and photos Yolanda Edens
corduroy road
More than 10,000 years ago, after the last Ice Age, a large peat moor was
established in the north-east of the Netherlands. In the meantime almost all
the marshlands in the Netherlands disappeared. One of the last spots in the
Netherlands where the process of thousands of years of peat formation in its
original form can still be observed, is in Twente’s Engbertsdijksvenen.
An extensive peat moor with heath fields and fens and a marsh with a thickness
of about 5 metres, all in its original state. The area is part of Natura 2000, the
European network of protected nature reserves.
Engbertsdijksvenen
The Engbertsdijksvenen is a nature reserve east of
Westerhaar-Vriezenveensewijk, situated in a triangle
formed together with the villages Bruinehaar and De
Pollen. The area got its name from the Engberts, a
farmer’s family. The Engbertsdijksvenen have been
cut relatively late. Until the 19th century the cutting in
Vriezenveen and surroundings was on a small-scale, only
used for their own heating. At the start of the 20th century
the cutting of the peat was done on a much larger scale.
In the meantime the marshlands had become a lot dryer,
due to the construction of the canals, which made it more
approachable. Via the small ditches large quantities of the
turf could be transported through the Veenkanaal, which
was connected to the Engbertsdijksvenen in 1907. Until
about 1950 peat was cut here on a large scale. Until the
seventies peat was still used for the production of peat
moss/compost. After that the economical exploitation
was stopped. Because of this it is one of the few spots in
the Netherlands where this process of thousands of years
of peat forming is still in its original shape.
Shaping of peat
Normally dead plant materials will break down fast by
oxygen and bacteria. Especially in high temperatures and
a dry environment the break down will go fast. In a wet
and damp environment the break down will go slower
than the accumulation and peat will be formed. The layer
of slowly decaying plant material that will accumulate
over many years could become extremely thick. That is
peat. Once dried – we are talking about turf now – it is
an excellent fuel. There are two kinds of turf: blanket bog
and peat. Both occur In the Netherlands. Blanket bog
is created where the soil is damp through underground
water. Peat is created in higher grounds with an
impermeable layer, which does not allow the rainwater to
go down. The most important part of peat is peatmoss/
sphagnum; a kind of moss that absorbs large quantities of
water. Once fully absorbed more than 90% of the plant is
water.
The Veenschap exists largely of an open landscape with
grassland and farmland, flanked by moats, shrubs and
leftovers of heather. In the leftovers of the heather
are different parts of flora and fauna, like cotton grass,
deergrass, the white beak-sedge, small- and round
sundew, bog rosemary and cranberry. It is also the
territory of the adder and the viviparous lizard. Until the
end of the 19th century, in the Veenschap turf was only
dug up for their own use. These small properties were
sometimes called ‘one man’s turf allotment’. When the
turf was cut and dried it was sold as fuel. The peat was
taken from the fields and shipped further down through
the canals. In and around this nature reserve are ‘haren’.
These are sand islands that emerge from the ground. The
first inhabitants of the peat wilderness settled on those
sand islands surrounded by the then vast peat moors.
Traces
The traces of the centuries long cutting of the peat are
still visible in the small and larger water filled peat bogs.
When the top layer of grey-hair-grass, heath and bushes
were removed, the peat bog was dug out. This was
extremely heavy, as they had to dig through different
layers of plant leftovers to be able to reach the peat. The
peat areas like the Engbertsdijksvenen were wet and
very boggy. In earlier days the extensive peat areas were
hardly passable and uninhabitable. Mainly between 2000
and 1500 BC wooden corduroy roads were constructed.
Those corduroy roads have been reconstructed in this
47
Turf Hut in Echten, photo SilverSpoon
area. Walking over a corduroy road one sees on both
sides of the swampy soil the different layers of soil from
the Ice Age.
By constructing canals they tried to dry out the peat
swamps. If the swamps were not dry before winter
started, the peat froze and it took longer before the turf
could be cut again after the winter. During the large scale
peat cutting deeper peat swamps were dug with the help
of machines. Nowadays they are full of water again, to
give the peat a change to recover. The Engbertsdijksvenen
is part of a European network of high-quality nature
reserves. It is an international wetland and the largest
and most important peat area of Western Europe. It is a
true Eldorado for bird lovers, nature lovers and walkers
and the dedication of the volunteers make it the best
researched fauna area of the Netherlands. On the edge of
the area is the Veenmuseum ‘Vriezenveenseveld’, which
brings alive the living and working on the peat in the
period from 1850 till 1950.
Turf hut
Turf huts (or sod houses) often stood in peatlands. They
are very simple huts, built with peat sods, especially
found near large scale peatlands in the poorest parts of
the Netherlands, like the provinces of Drenthe, Friesland
and Overijssel. The huts were to be found on the
undivided heath fields, situated outside the esdorpen.
For centuries used as dwellings for the very poorest peat
workers, often having large families. The huts were partly
dug under the ground and without walls, with the roof
starting at ground level. The roof was covered with divots
taken from nearby land. The building of brick houses only
started when all the peat had been cut and sandy soil was
reached. The living conditions were deplorable. Due to
the way they were built it was hard to heat the room, it
was very damp and infested with vermin. People living in
Brink in Rheeze
48
farm in Rheeze with diamond shaped wickerwork
turf huts died young. Large families often lived on about
10 square metres, sometimes even with their livestock.
The housing act from 1901 forbid the living in turf huts.
Substitute housing was limited. In a village like JubbegaHoornsterzwaag the last turf huts were demolished in
the late 1960s. Some places in the Netherlands offer
accommodation for tourists in a specially built and
furnished turf hut.
Esdorpen
Esdorpen or brinkdorpen are often found on peatlands.
It is a type of village on sandy soils in the Netherlands
and mostly established in the Middle Ages. Esdorpen
were established around a communal meadow that was
a bit higher than the surroundings. This was named a
brink. The brink was also a place to escape to for people
and livestock when there were floods, which regularly
occurred in our country, when the water was not tamed
as yet. At night the shepherds drove their flocks to the
brink. Around the brink farms appeared. In the sheds
the dung of the sheep and cows was swept together
to fertilize the agricultural land. The waste was swept
in ‘pot’ stalls that were built against the farms. After
mixing the dung with turf it was spread over the ‘essen’.
Originally the brink was not the centre of the village,
but was especially important as gathering area for the
livestock. That is the reason why the sheds of the farms
have been built with the back to the brink. Gradually
the brink became a place for livestock trading which
grew into a social meeting place under the trees where
yearly markets and festivities were held. Often a music
stand and large (Ice Age) rocks were placed on the brink.
Characteristic for a brink is the spacious design and the
generous vegetation and the viewpoints between the
houses and farms. The houses and farms are not placed
49
neatly in a row. The trees provide the much needed
shade. The brink is also part of the Monopoly game and
considerably cheaper than the Amsterdam Kalverstraat or
the Haarlem Barteljorisstraat.
trees and shrubs were planted. Most of the valuable
historical outbuildings have been placed on the list of the
conservation for monuments and therefore received a
protected status.
Rheeze
In the Netherlands and especially in Overijssel are only a
few original esdorpen left. In the Vechtdal are still three
characteristic esdorpen: Beerze, Rheeze and Arriën.
Rheeze is a typical example of a beautifully preserved
esdorp. The Saxon village is part of the council of
Hardenberg and dates from the Middle Ages (1381).
It has a fine brink. Along this brink are all houses and
sheds with behind them the enken or essen. The sheds
are still decorated with straw-reed wicker. The diamond
shaped wickerwork is made from rye straw which has
been attached to the underlying reed mat with twigs. Just
straw would be too fragile for this wickerwork and the
reed had to be brought from far. On the yards of the old
farms are still kokhoezen, used to cook the food for the
livestock.
Rheeze is with its 300 citizens a lively community in an
original village. The residents do everything to keep
everything in its original state and repair it if needed.
At the end of the year 1992 the centre of Rheeze was
nominated as a protected monument. In the centre of
Rheeze is also a zone of high archaeological value, and
ground work that goes deeper than 40 cm requires
archaeological research first. In 2001 beech hedges,
hawthorn hedges, fruit trees, linden trees and woodland
Going in the peat moors
The peat moors in Salland could easily be explored by
beautifully mapped out routes for bikes and walking and
take you to the most attractive tourist attractions. The
routes have ample information signs and/or information
kiosks that give cyclists or walkers interesting background
information on this amazing region brimming with
cultural history.
corduroy road
Haaksbergerveen
Along the border with Germany is Haaksbergenveen, one
of the most attractive peat moors of the Netherlands. In
Haaksbergerveen the peat moors have been restored to
their former glory. The paths and corduroy roads open
this region up to walkers, cyclists, horses and wheelchairs.
The Borkeld
The Borkeld is an amazing heath reserve between Holten,
Rijssen en Markelo. The view from the Friezenberg and
the enormous heathlands make it worth going to the
Borkeld. Special are the many cultural historical remains.
There are dozens of grave mounds dating from BC.
Probably the first inhabitants walked here more than
10,000 years ago.
50
drying of turf, photo Gouwenaar
Esdorpen are in Drenthe, like Dwingeloo, Diever, Orvelte or Gees, in
Salland, Twente, the Achterhoek, e.g. Vragender and the Groningen’s
Westerwolde, like Sellingen. Also towns like Assen, Emmen and
Groningen are originally esdorpen. Friesian brinkdorpen are
Bokkeveen, Oldeberkoop and Veenklooster.
Another area with original esdorpen is Het Gooi (e.g. Laren) and the
Utrecht’s Heuvelrug. Spread along Noord Brabant and Limburg are
different esdorpen, like Liempde, Merselo, Sevenum and Sint Anthonis.
The Veluwe has many esdorpen too. Along the western side of the
stuwwal of the Veluwe are: Wageningen, Bennekom, Ede, Lunteren.
Wezep is an esdorp too. (source Wikipedia)
51
niet
kijken
Weet u wat een BN is? Ik had de afkorting al vaker
gehoord voor ik ineens begreep wat het betekende:
Bekende Nederlander! Een Bekende Nederlander – liefst
met een hoofdletter geschreven – is iemand wiens naam
bij een groot publiek bekend is en die door veel mensen
op straat wordt herkend.
Het verschijnsel Bekende Mensen is van alle tijden.
Beroemdheden zoals vorsten, politici, kwakzalvers, en
later ook sportmensen en kunstenaars waren ook vroeger
al bij een groot publiek bekend. Maar bijna niemand wist
hoe ze er precies uitzagen. Ze liepen anoniem tussen
ons rond. Ook niet na de opkomst van krant en radio.
Beroemdheden hadden meestal alleen maar een naam,
geen gezicht of privé-leven.
Ik had nooit veel belangstelling voor BN-ers. Maar
langzamerhand bleek dat ik een van de weinige mensen
was die niet geïnteresseerd was in hun beroemdheid.
Met de opkomst van de televisie werden de BN-ers een
soort plaag. Van het soort waar je nooit meer helemaal
van af komt.
Het werkt zo. Mensen die je kent, daar heb je meer
belangstelling voor dan voor onbekenden. Daar kun je
niks aan doen, dat gaat automatisch. Wie
je vaak op de beeldbuis ziet die
ken je. En hoe bekender, hoe meer
BN-er.
Foto’s in de krant, namen over
de radio zeggen ons weinig. We
kennen de mensen pas als we
ze gezien hebben, in het echt of
op de TV. Hoe vaker hoe beter.
Bijvoorbeeld presentatoren en
presentatrices. Die zien we elke
52
foto Plumpaquatsch
TaalsTaaltje door Frans Hertoghs
dag. Ze hebben ook een naam: Dit is Het Journaal, met
Karel Appelflap. Na een tijdje ken je hem beter dan je
broer. Wat voor stropdas zou hij deze keer aanhebben?
Zag je ook hoe hij nog gauw zijn haar kamde toen hij al
in beeld was? Maar waarom zouden wij willen weten dat
hij Appelflap heet? Hij is toch alleen maar de figuur die
teksten voorleest?
Bekendheid is kennelijk onweerstaanbaar. Er kijken
meer mensen naar een programma als het door een
beroemdheid gepresenteerd wordt. De presentator is
meestal zelf nog beter bekend dan zijn gasten, allemaal
BN-ers natuurlijk. Zo langzamerhand draait de hele
televisiewereld om een aantal zogenaamde ‘sterren’. Die
stralen meestal niet omdat ze zo briljant zijn, maar omdat
ze het schijnwerperlicht weerkaatsen.
De presentator van een BBC programma als Top Gear,
weet u wat die per jaar verdient? Achttien miljoen euro.
En Oprah Winfrey staat nu boven de 130 miljoen euro.
Het is nog erger. Beroemde presentatoren nodigen
gasten uit voor hun programma’s en spelletjes. En wie
treden daar op? BN-ers natuurlijk, en vooral andere
presentatoren. Pauw komt met De Leeuw bij Van
Nieuwkerk en kijk eens wie dáár is Linda de Mol! Het
is een rondedans waar wij alleen maar naar kijken
omdat we de deelnemers denken te kennen. Je wordt
toch niet goed van de gebakken lucht?
Dik drie uur per dag kijken Nederlanders televisie,
afgeladen met Bekende Nederlanders die steeds
bekender worden. In Brussel hebben ze voor mensen
die verslaafd zijn aan beroemdheid een prachtig
Vlaams woord. Ze hebben het daar over matuvukes.
Het is een samentrekking van de Waalse vraag m’ astu-vu?, ‘’heb je me gezien?’
Het enige wat wij nog kunnen doen is niet kijken.
GÖTZINGER
SMALLGOODS
LEKKERE
ROOKWORST
Available from all good Delicatessens, IGA stores
(Qld, NSW, Vic), or call for your nearest store
Also available from the Gotzinger Deli;
126 Lahrs Rd, Yatala
07 5549 3955
REFUGEES
through the ages
Erik Feenstra
Interior of the Portuguese-Israeli Synagogue (Snoga) in Amsterdam. Painting by Amanuel de Witte, about 1680,
collection Rijksmuseum Amsterdam
54
Expulsion from La Rochelle of 300 Protestant famillies_Nov 1661 Jan Luiken, 1649-1712. Orbigny-Bernon Museum
Refugees: right now the main issue in Europe, including
the Netherlands. Politicians seem to be powerless as
many people flock to the continent and right wing
parties ‘smell new opportunities’. A lot of humbug is
going on, especially via social media. Some weeks ago,
on the streets of Amsterdam, a radio reporter asked
me if all these refugees worried me. I answered ‘Not
really.’ Refugees always existed and it doesn’t mean that
they automatically bring disaster and diseases to us;
historically they sometimes brought us prosperity. To the
question: ‘Aren’t you afraid that a terrorist might be able
to slip into the country with them’, I answered: ‘Of course
this frightens me. But that is too hard to cope with.
Besides: look at all the tourists that overflow Amsterdam
nowadays. It only needs one idiot …’ Historically, large
crowds always moved from one part of the world to
another, like refugees and immigrants. You can get
hysterical about it, frightened, angry, aggressive or stay
calm and study historical facts. Let’s look into Dutch
history, regarding this issue.
Belgians flee to the Republic
The first time the Dutch allowed large refugees groups
into the country, was in de 16th century during the
Tachtigjarige Oorlog, the Dutch independence war
against Spain (1568-1648). In 1585, Antwerp fell into
Spanish hands, at the time the largest trade centre and
one of the richest cities in Western Europe. The Spaniards
cut off all trade routes to Antwerp, many Protestants fled
and Antwerp’s prosperity was over: from the 100,000
inhabitants in 1560 almost 60,000 people left the city.
Many Flemish people left for Holland and England; many
people from other parts of Belgium left for Germany. In
England, Belgian refugees were welcomed by a charter of
King Edward VI, because of their technical skills, rare at
that time and they also brought new varieties of textiles.
They were named ‘strangers’ and in many cities they
surpassed the number of native inhabitants. Natives
became jealous and threatened the ‘strangers’: a coming
and going phenomena throughout history, even today …
Refugees helped the Republic into the Golden Age
The northern provinces just declared themselves
independent from Spain and had founded the Republiek
der 7 Provincien. The state’s religion was Protestant, but
other religions were allowed, as long as they did not
show their existence to the outer world too obviously.
This attracted a lot of refugees to the new republic. In
1622 67% of the inhabitants of the city of Leiden came
from the south, 50% in Middelburg, 40% in Rotterdam en
33% in Amsterdam. In the beginning, contact between
the different groups would not have been easy: foreigners
55
refugees from Belgium, 1914
regarded the Dutch as crude and far too direct and the
Dutch thought newcomers were arrogant and frivolous.
It took quite some time before the different groups
mingled: until the 1630s.
The newcomers brought knowledge and money with
them and helped the new republic into the Golden Age.
The Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie (VOC), the first
joined-stock company in the world with a monopoly on
trade between the Republic and the East (the whole
region east of Cape Town) was founded in 1612, and was
originally an idea of Flemish people. Johan van der Veken
took his moneymaking herring trade with him when he
fled from Mechelen to Rotterdam and was with 600,000
guilders the richest man in Rotterdam. He was involved
in founding the first stock market in 1598 (in Rotterdam,
and not - as many people believe - in Amsterdam). Poorer
people, workers without names, gave a boost to the
declining Lakenindustrie in Leiden. In 1650, Leiden had
become the world leader in producing textiles. Some big
names in Dutch arts and science had Belgian ancestors
or were born in Belgium. The well-known painter Frans
Hals (1583-1666) was born in Antwerp and worked and
lived his whole life in Haarlem. The famous Dutch poet
Joost van den Vondel (1587-1679) was born in Cologne,
moved with his parents to Utrecht and they moved to
Amsterdam in 1597. Scientist Simon Stevin (1548-1620)
was born in Brugge. In the Republic he pretended that the
Dutch language was more useful to transfer knowledge
than Greek, Latin or any other language. As a scientist
he educated many students in physics, mathematics and
architecture. In Leiden taught geodesy and building of
fortresses.
Portuguese and Spanish Jews
In the 17th century , many Jews fled, from Spain and
56
Portugal, to the new republic where they were free
to marry, to trade and earn money, without having
to live in ghettos or wear Jew’s badges and above all:
they were safe from the furious Inquisition. They were
very important to the Dutch economic and cultural
development during the Golden Age. Amongst them
were many scientists, philosophers, artists, bankers
and business owners. The most famous name of the
philosophers was Baruch Spinoza (1632-1677), born in
Amsterdam, from Portuguese ancestors.
Hugenoten
From France many Huguenots fled abroad to escape the
bloody internal religion wars, to Preussen (Germany),
England and the Republic. Around 1700, in Amsterdam
7% of the inhabitants were French. Among the French
refugees were many army men who had served under
King Louis XVI. In 1688, Prince William III hired 300
former French officers, to join his army to England, win
a war against the Catholics and become King William
of England. In Holland, many Huguenots started book
businesses, because the book guild –one of the only
guilds - allowed foreigners within their midst. Many
French refugees studied in Groningen, Utrecht and Leiden
and some of them became a professor.
19th century
Halfway the 19th century the Dutch government decided
that certain rules should be introduced concerning
refugees. It was an answer to the growing political and
economical unrest in Europe. With the Vreemdelingenwet
from 1849 in their hands, the Dutch authorities were able
to refuse permission to enter the Netherlands to refugees
without money or a passport. But in reality it hardly
happened, due to the lack of governing the rules at the
time.
left: Refugees from Belgium, signed, dated Leo Gestel
14, black chalk and watercolour on paper, 30 x 23 cm
centre: Turkish gastarbeider
ordered the building of a refugee camp: kamp Westerbork
in Drenthe. In 1942, the German occupiers took over
the camp, and used it as a ‘transit camp’ for Jewish
prisoners, before being deported to concentration camps
in Germany and elsewhere, like Anne Frank.
Indië becomes independent: Indonesia
In 1949, the Dutch colony Indië became independent
from the Netherlands and 300,000 Indonesian people
migrated by boat to the ‘motherland’: either Dutch
people with European ancestors or Dutch people with
mixed European-Asian blood, in these days called ‘Indos’.
In 1952 the ministry of Social Welfare (maatschappelijk
welzijn) was founded, at the time a unique institute in
Europe. It had to regulate assistance and integration to
all newcomers, using hotels hostels and campings to
give them food and shelter. The authorities took care of
housing, securing jobs, education and an early form of
civic integration courses. At the time, assimilation was the
key word, unlike nowadays.
World War I
During World War I (1914-1918) the
Netherlands were neutral. So was Belgium,
but nevertheless the Germans invaded our
southern neighbours in 1914 to get a quick
route towards France. More than a million Belgians
fled to the Netherlands, at the time a population of
6.2 million. To stop the flow of refugees, the Germans
created a deadly electric wire system along the entire
border between the two countries. The Dutch authorities
set up large and heavily secured rescue camps. Eventually,
most of the Belgians returned to their homeland.
World War II
In 1933, Adolf Hitler came into power in Germany and
many Jews tried to leave the country. The most famous
refugee of all
times is Anne
Frank, who fled
with her family
from Frankfurt
to Amsterdam
in 1933/34. The
Dutch authorities
tried to stop the
flow of Jewish
refugees and
in 1938 they
decided to stop
refugees coming
in the country. In
1939, the Dutch
government
Gastarbeiders
In the sixties many WesternEuropean countries had a
shortage of working people in
the mines and heavy industry.
Many men from Italy, Spain,
Turkey and Morocco came to the
Netherlands, basically because
they couldn’t find a job in their
own country and would work
here for a short time. They came alone, left their families
in their home country and lived separated from the rest
of society. Although officially they would go back, many
didn’t, and brought their families over. The number of
migrants rose rapidly. Many Dutch inhabitants moved
to suburban areas and new cities. For instance many
Amsterdammers left for Almere, Lelystad and Purmerend.
And left old and cheap houses behind, mainly taken over
by migrant families. Assimilation, as in the fifties, was not
an issue. Different groups lived quite separated from each
other and compulsory civic integration- and language
courses were created, but it might have been too late… It
was the start of social unrest and right-wing parties, who
believed ‘Dutch values’ disappeared because of all these
newcomers. As we have seen happening so often before.
UNHCR Refugee Convention
July 1952, the Netherlands signed an international pact,
together with more than one hundred other countries:
the 1951 UNHCR Refugee Convention in Genève. The pact
defines who should be regarded as refugee and forces
countries to offer asylum to them.
are you interested in what’s going on in the Netherlands?
Please go to www.eropuit.blog.nl (a website in Dutch), or www.
wereldnieuws.blog.nl, if interested in main news.
57
Engelandvaarders
museum sheds light on history
On the 4th of September HM King Willem-Alexander
opened the Museum Engelandvaarders in Noordwijk.
This museum tells the story of the Dutch who escaped
from the occupied country during WWII. From Great
Britain they continued the fight against Nazi Germany
and Japan.
The new rural museum is a tribute to the many
Engelandvaarders (literally England Sailors) and to the
people who helped them. Dutch who risked their lives
for freedom. Erik Hazelhoff Roelfzema, the Soldaat van
Oranje (Soldier of Oranje) was one of them. But there
were many more.
1,700 Engelandvaarders
During the occupation in 1940-1945 more than 1,700
Engelandvaarders succeeded, with a lot of effort, to reach
Great Britain. Hundreds of other people tried, but lost
their lives during the journey.
Apart from the risky crossings over the North Sea,
the Engelandvaarders who moved over land to Great
Britain get a lot of attention in the new Museum
Engelandvaarders. These routes often took months to
years and in many cases they had to walk thousands of
kilometres, full of hardships.
resistance hero Erik Hazelhoff Roelfzema (Soldaat van Oranje)
arriving at Schiphol in 1951 (Nationaal Archief by J.D. Noske)
58
words Marianne Visser van Klaarwater
photos Marcel Verheggen
Second World War
Just like the book, movie and musical, the museum
shows how WWII was experienced by individuals and
why they decided to take the dangerous journey to Great
Britain. The atmosphere of the war is almost tangible by
establishing the museum in a bunker built by the German
occupiers and the use of modern audio-visual techniques.
Soldaat van Oranje
The Soldaat van Oranje was and still is an icon. Daily, the
success of the book, the movie and the musical Soldaat
van Oranje still add to the story of the Engelandvaarders.
The initiators want to give the museum a wider and more
extensive view of the Engelandvaarders during WWII.
This objective has been supported (also financially) by
eg the National Committee 4 and 5 May, the National
Foundation of Peace, Safety and Veterans care, the
Prince Bernard Culture Foundation, Fonds 1818, the
Genootschap Engelandvaarders and many surviving
relatives of the Engelandvaarders.
Queen Wilhelmina
The museum visualises the contribution of the
Engelandvaarders to air force, marine, Princess Irene
Brigade, Merchant Navy, KNIL and their part in the
59
Risky situations
In addition, the risky situations the helpers of the
Engelandvaarders came into is shown. The people who
were seized received heavy punishment for the ‘favouring
of the enemy’. The serious choices the Engelandvaarders
and their helpers had to make are made insightful and
tangible in the museum.
Englandspiel. The visitors also get an impression of the
special relationship between the Engelandvaarders and
the then Queen Wilhelmina (U bent de schakel tussen
hen die thuisbleven en mij – you are the link between the
people who stayed home and me).
Role model
The museum wants to show the Engelandvaarders as
a role model for the youths. According to the initiators
Values like taking initiative, coming into action, show
courage and perseverance have to be passed on to young
people any time and in all circumstances.
Link: MuseumEngelandvaarders.nl
e-mail: sales@itsalldutchtome.com.au
phone: 0433 446 350 or 0433 344 167
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offering an extensive range of delicious Dutch food
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• New Food and Gift items are added on a regular basis.
• Our assortment now also available at our shop.
webshop: www.itsalldutchtome.com.au
shop: 61-63 Taunton Drive, Cheltenham Vic
Men moet in een onvrij land hebben
gewoond om te beseffen wat het
beteekent in een vrij land te zijn
Vrij Nederland, 30 augustus 1941
One need to have lived in an occupied
country to realise what it means to be
in a free country
60
Radio 4EB
Brisbane
Blijf luisteren naar onze Nederlandstalige programma’s. We
brengen het nieuws en diverse wetenswaardigheden uit
Nederland en natuurlijk muziek van Nederlandse bodem. De
uitzendingen zijn ook via het internet te beluisteren. U vindt ons
op www.4eb.org.au. live stream of 4EB On Demand / Global On
Demand. Zet de 4EB App op uw iPhone of iPod? Of luister via
uw mobile. Bel daarvoor 1300 231 045. (De kosten gaan van uw
beltegoed af).
St Nicolaas at the St Nicolaas church in Gent, photo Eric Hulsens
Zondag 18 oktober was de Nederlandse Radiogroep van 4EB FM
98.1 Brisbane aanwezig bij de Familiedag bij The Dutch Club NAQ.
Een zonovergoten dag in Richlands en oerhollandse gezelligheid!
Ons aller Hans van der Drift bracht met zijn bekende liedjes de
stemming er goed in. De vele bezoekers zaten te smullen van
diverse Nederlandse lekkernijen die de vrijwilligers van de NAQ
met veel plezier klaarmaakten. De sjoelbakken waren constant
bezet en de kinderen konden zich vermaken met kleuren,
ballengooien, sjoelen en andere spelletjes.
En wat een geweldige dag ook voor ons, Nederlandse
Radiogroep! Wij hebben enkele nieuwe leden kunnen optekenen,
waarvoor onze hartelijke dank. Want het aantal leden dat wij
hebben bepaald immers onze uitzenduren. Gelukkig hebben we
onze vier uitzendingen per week tot nu toe kunnen behouden,
maar het was heel spannend of dat wel zou lukken voor het
komende jaar.
Dit was ook het laatste weekend van de jaarlijkse Radiothon van
4EB FM 98.1 met het thema “Raise the Roof”. De donaties zullen
worden gebruikt voor uitbreiding van studio’s en vernieuwing van
de apparatuur.
We zijn ongelooflijk dankbaar voor alle grote en kleine donaties
die we mochten ontvangen. Ons streefbedrag van $1000 werd
dik overschreden tot een bedrag van ruim $2200! Dit mede
door een gulle gave van Lenie van Wijk, onze vice-voorzitter.
Zij doneerde $1000 ter nagedachtenis aan haar man Rudy, die
onlangs is overleden.
3ZZZ, Dutch radio is on-air every Monday from
4 – 5 pm, and every Friday from 8 – 9 am.
Please tune into 92.3 fm.
The Dandenong Christian Reformed Church
invites you to join us in a
Dutch Christmas Celebration
SBS Radio Dutch
Wednesday and Saturday / 11am - 12pm
SBS Radio 2
How to listen
Sydney:
Melbourne:
Perth:
Darwin:
•
•
•
•
97.7fm
93.1fm
96.9fm
100.9fm
Adelaide:
Brisbane:
Canberra:
Analogue or digital radio
Digital TV
Live and catch up at sbs.com.au/dutch
SBS Your Language App
106.3fm
93.3fm
105.5fm
The entire celebration will be in the Dutch language.
Saturday Night, 12th December at 6.00 pm
Cnr Outlook Drive & Gladstone Road,
North Dandenong
The ‘Jubilate Choir’ will sing for you and with you.
The Christmas message, a Christmas story and poems
plus community singing are all part of the program.
There will be refreshments to follow
A collection will be held for ‘Dandenong Palliative Care’
If you would like to hear and sing Carols in Dutch,
Please come along!
For more information please ring Peter or Alice Krins on
9735 5334 or 0401 019151
61
British toy and model makers such as Corgi, Dinky and Matchbox helped to create a
1950s and ‘60s boom in detailed miniature diecast vehicles. Diecast makers in Denmark,
Italy, France, Germany, and Spain turned out fine models too, and Hot Wheels in the US
premiered its miniatures in 1967. The Netherlands also has its diecast model makers, such
as Best-Box (later known as Efsi, then Holland-Oto), and Lion Toys.
words Eric Bryan
photo above: The Lion Toys gold
commemorative edition of the DAF 31.
Photo by Vectis Auctions.
this photo: this DAF 600 was shown at the
Concours d’Elegance 2008, Apeldoorn, The
Netherlands. Photo by Janderk1968.
62
Lion Toys history
Founded in Wassenaar in 1946 by Arie van Leeuwen,
the Lion Toys company started out producing 0 and HO
scale model railways. The firm began making Volkswagen
Beetle and Renault 4CV models in 1956, followed by DKW
3=6, Opel Rekord and Renault Dauphine miniatures in
1958. The scales of these cars are 1:42 and 1:45. These
Lion Toys models are valuable today: Mint examples
in their original boxes have been known to fetch up
to around $2000 each at auction, while one Lion Toys
Volkswagen Beetle realized over $5500!
In 1958, Van Leeuwen moved Lion Toys to Nistelrode,
where he invested in a modern injection moulding
machine. Demand for the company’s products led to
the establishment of another production line in Dinther.
Manufacture of diecast vehicles continued through the
1980s.
When Arie van Leeuwen died in 1992, his wife and
daughter carried on running Lion Toys. Henk van der Muil
and Peter Vijverberg took over the company in 1994, and
in 1998 founded a new production plant in Uden. The pair
focused on the development of new Lion Toys models.
Vijverberg was awarded Model Builder of the Year in
1995, 1997 and 2003 in the category of 1:50 to 1:43 scale
model trucks.
IBN-production Uden took over Lion Toys in 2009, though
with the continued involvement of Vijverberg and Van der
Muil. In 2010, Tekno BV acquired Lion Toys. Tekno was a
famous Danish maker of diecast models until the early
1970s. After Tekno went bankrupt in 1972, Vanmin BV,
a Dutch importer of Tekno goods, purchased the Danish
company. This led to the founding of Tekno Toys BV,
originally based in Delft, and now in Maasland.
The Lion Toys DAF car models
Lion Toys started manufacturing their 1:43 scale DAF
cars in parallel with actual DAF vehicle production. DAF
dealerships even kept samples of the Lion Toys (marketed
under the name Lion Car) on hand, specially-painted in
the true DAF colours, as guides for potential buyers of the
real cars.
The Lion Toys DAF 600 beat DAF to the punch by going
into production in 1958; the real car wasn’t available until
1959! Particulars of this model include the stylised ‘daf’
logo cast onto the down-swept boot and bonnet. The 600
is easily distinguishable from later models by its small,
narrow grille, an attribute which gives even the real car
a toy-like appearance. A promotional model in red, with
white Heineken lettering on the roof, was distributed in
America, and is so rare that only one example has so far
been traced.
The DAF 750 Pick-up, released in 1960 (again before the
real vehicle was available), is the small-truck version of
the DAF 750 car. The 750 Pick-up has a ribbed cargo bed,
and was offered both with and without a tin tilt. There
is a rare variation with an extended clear plastic canopy,
produced as promotional models for Palthehuis, and
Gerard Worm. The 750 Pick-up was rereleased in 1970.
The DAF 30 was introduced in 1963 and represents a
1961 Daffodil. The body of the 30 continues with the
down-swept bonnet and boot of the 600, with the cast
63
clockwise from top left:
Lion Toys’ Volkswagen Beetle;
The Lion Toys DAF 750 Pick-up;
A red Lion Toys DAF 600, beside a DAF 44.
photos by Vectis Auctions.
A Daffodil 31, at the Concours d’Elegance 2008, Apeldoorn. photo by Janderk, 1968.
photo right: Lion Toys’ DAF B Bestelauto. Photo by Vectis Auctions.
‘daf’ logos. The 30 differs from the 600 in that its grille is
wide, with vertical bars which create the impression of
teeth.
The DAF 31 was presented in 1964 and is a model of
a 1963 Daffodil. Though having the same basic body
as the 30, the 31’s grille is without the ‘teeth’. Also,
the rear of the roof is rounded off. There is a special
edition gold plated DAF 31, made to celebrate DAF’s
milestone of 100,000 cars produced. With a green laurel
wreath painted on the roof, this edition has a special
commemorative box. Two-thousand units of this model
were produced, to be issued to all Lion Toys employees.
The 31 carried on with the ‘daf’ lettering cast onto boot
and bonnet.
The DAF 32 was produced from 1966, and represents a
1965 Daffodil. The 32’s body design departs from that of
its predecessors. The slope of bonnet and boot are much
shallower and more traditional, and the nose is changed,
with thin horizontal strips above the grille. New for 1967
was the DAF 33. The 33 was the first Lion Toys DAF with
jewelled headlamps. Some examples have the ‘daf’ logo
on the bonnet.
The DAF 44 was released in 1968. Early versions have cast
headlights; later editions have jewelled headlamps. Some
examples have the ‘daf’ bonnet emblem. There is a scarce
orange 44 in GVB Amsterdam livery, with a blue beacon
on the roof. From 1970 on, the DAF Lion Cars have a rearview mirror and wipers moulded into the windscreen.
The DAF 44 STC Stationcar (estate), new for 1970, has
jewelled headlamps. This model is the first Lion Car DAF
to have an opening feature: the rear hatch. Some releases
have the ‘daf’ bonnet lettering.
The DAF 55C Coupé was introduced in 1970, and has
jewelled headlamps. There is a Camel-DAF Racing Team
rally version of the 55C in yellow with an Esso emblem
on the bonnet, and competition number 1 on the doors,
which was issued in a special box. This edition was
modelled on the car of driver Jan de Rooij, and is hard
to find. There is also a yellow version with the Lions Club
logo on the roof. The 55C was released again in 1972, this
variation having the ‘daf’ logo cast onto the bonnet.
The DAF B Bestelauto, a van based on the DAF 33, was
released in 1971. The DAF B has jewelled headlamps, and
was produced in many promotional liveries such as GTI,
REMIA, and DESSO.
The DAF 46 was introduced in 1974. The 46 is of basically
the same casting as the 44, but with a slightly recast
chassis. The 46 was made both with and without the ‘daf’
bonnet emblem. The DAF 66SL Coupé, issued in 1974,
has‘66SL’ cast into the front wings, the ‘daf’ logo on the
bonnet, and a DAF emblem cast into the grille.
Reissues and current models
Lion Toys reissued some of its classic DAF cars after the
year 2000. You can identify some of these models by
the bottom-plate, which has ‘NA 2000’ cast in. However,
examples of the 44, 44 STC, 66SL, and 46 reissues exist
without ‘NA 2000’ cast in. Some reissue clues to watch for
are thick paintwork, no cast ‘daf’ logo on the bonnet, and
64
A replica of the super rare Heineken Lion Toys
DAF 600, from the Stephan Smits collection.
Photo Stephan Smits.
more precisely-painted bumpers and details than on the
vintage models.
Some of the reissues have tyres with almost no tread.
These new editions were released in Lion Toys window
boxes, and in reproductions of Lion Car boxes.
Lion Toys is now headquartered in Maasland, and still
offers a large array of model vehicles in several scales,
including miniatures of vintage to current DAF trucks. The
trucks are in a huge array of liveries. These include Pally
Holland, Milka, Fristi, Fruit-tella, Lu, Booy, Douwe Egberts,
Duyvis, Jan de Rijk, Smint, and many others. Lion Toys
also accepts special orders to produce models in liveries
of your choosing. Lion Toys has its own museum, open to
the public, in De Lier.
THE DAF CARS
words Eric Bryan
Dashboard Daf 32, Luxe, Extra, photo Roepers.
right: interioir Daf 750, 1961. photo Joost J. Bakker.
Following is an inventory of the basic DAF cars which Lion Toys modelled their miniatures on over the years. Not listed
are the various van and pick-up versions of the cars.
• DAF 600: Debuting at the 1958 Amsterdam Motor Show, the four-seat 600 had a front-mounted 590cc aircooled two-cylinder (flat twin) engine of 22 hp, giving a top speed of 92 km/h.
• DAF 750, Daffodil (DAF 30): Premiering in 1961, the 750 was an upgrade from the 600, with an air-cooled 30
hp 746cc two-cylinder motor, and a 105 km/h maximum speed. The Daffodil was basically a 750 with extra
chrome, a different grille (introducing the ‘crocodile’s mouth’), and more lavish fittings.
• Daffodil (DAF 31): New for 1963, this Daffodil shared the power-plant and performance of the previous model,
but had a new body designed by Giovanni Michelotti, an upgraded interior, and 13-inch wheels.
• Daffodil (DAF 32): Introduced in 1965, the 32 retained the mechanics and performance of the 31, but had a
boxier body, again designed by Michelotti.
• DAF 32 S: The 1966 rally version of the standard 32, the 32 S had a 763cc engine with a modified carburettor
and enlarged air-cleaner, giving the car a twenty-percent power increase to 36 hp, and a 121 km/h top speed.
DAF produced 500 of these cars.
• DAF 33: Brought out in 1967, the 33 had basically the same body as did the 32, but at this point DAF officially
dropped the Daffodil name. Fitted with a 32 hp 746cc motor, the 33 could go to 113 km/h.
• DAF 44: Presented in 1966 with a Michelotti-designed body, the 44 initiated DAF’s series of larger cars. Its
two-cylinder 844cc air-cooled engine produced 40 hp, giving a top speed of 122 km/h.
• DAF 46: The 46, introduced in 1974, succeeded the 44. With the same engine and maximum speed of the 44,
the 46 had a Dion rear axle driven by one belt.
• DAF 55: Carrying on the body style of the 44, the 1967 55 had a Renault 1108cc water-cooled four-cylinder
motor. This gave the car 50 hp and an 137 km/h top speed.
• DAF 66: In 1972, the 66 continued with the 1108cc power-plant, but was fitted with a Dion rear axle with leaf
springs and a differential. The 66 had performance similar to that of the 55.
65
Jan en Kaspar Luiken: Het Menselyk Bedryf
De Borduurder
In Luyken’s tijd was borduren ook mannenwerk. Het werd vooral gedaan om kleren, wandkleden
en meubelbekleding te versieren. Er was veel vraag naar het arbeidsintensieve boduurwerk,
ook van grote lappen stof. Borduren was een werk van engelengeduld. Beklede stoelen
met borduurwerk kwamen in de mode. Ook gobelins en andere wandversieringen werden
geborduurd, vaak met gedetailleerde voorstellingen. Ze gebruikten graag goud- en zilverdraad
en vulsels om in de stoffen meer reliëf te geven.
De borduurder is hier zeer geconcentreerd bezig. Hij draagt geen hoed of hoofddeksel en zit in
het volle licht van een zijraam. Zijn doek is strak gespannen op een borduurraam dat op schragen
rust. Met zijn rechterhand steekt hij de naald in het weefsel en met zijn linker steekt hij de naald
op precies de goede plaats weer omhoog. Een streng garen hangt aan zijn riem. Achter hem staat
een ander bespannen raam. Naast hem kijkt een jonge leerjongen gefascineerd toe. Hij draagt
een voorschoot en heeft een soort frygische muts op met een naar voren krullende punt.
Het interieur is opvallend sober. Behalve de schragen en de driepoot zien we alleen maar een
paar panelen staan, een ervan precies voor het raam. Een groot gordijn is tegen het plafond
opgegord. Aan het raamkozijn hangen een paar strengen en wat spoelen liggen op de grond. De
zon tekent de schaduwlijnen van de loden spijlen op de smalle raamkozijnen.
Door de brede deuropening kijken we naar buiten. Dit keer zien we geen gracht, maar een
onbestemd pad langs een huis met een trapgeveltje, dat we van opzij zien, Misschien zijn we aan
de rand van de stad, want in de verte zien we twee wandelaars lopen naar de stadsmuur met
een soort halve toren.
Hoe vorstelijk zijn borduursel ook mocht zijn, deze borduurder is er kennelijk (nog?) niet rijk van
geworden.
Doorstikt uw hart met Kunst en Deugd
Dat gij voor Edel doorgaan meugt.
Vorstelijk heet een gewaad
Met goud en zilver doorgestikt.
Toch is zo’n kleed onder de maat
Voor wie met hemel-ogen blikt:
Wat God en Engelen behaagt
Is wat de mens van binnen draagt.
66
The Embroiderer
In Luyken’s time embroidery was also done by men. It was especially practiced to decorate
clothes, tapestry and furniture upholstery. The demand was high for the labour intensive
embroidery, also on large sheets of fabric. Embroidery needed extreme patience. Upholstered
chairs with embroidery were very fashionable. Also gobelins and other wall decorations were
embroidered, often with detailed pictures on it. They favoured using gold- and silver threats and
fillings to give the fabrics more dept.
Here the embroiderer is working very concentrated. He does not wear a hat or headwear and
sits in the direct sunlight through the side window. His cloth is firmly stretched on an embroidery
frame which stands on supports. He threads the needle in the fabric with his right hand and
threads it up with his left hand on exactly the right spot. A hank of yarn hangs from his belt.
Behind him stands another stretched frame. Next to him a young apprentice watches him
fascinatedly. He wears an apron and a kind of Phrygian cap with a curl pointing forward.
The interior is strikingly sober. Except for the supports and the tripod only a few panels are
visible, one of them exactly in front of the window. A large curtain has been pulled up against the
ceiling. A few hanks of yarn hang on the windowsills and some spools are on the floor. The sun
draws shadow lines of the leaden rods on the narrow windowsills.
Through the wide open door we look outside. This time not a canal is visible, but an indefinable
path along a stepped-gable-house, seen from aside. Perhaps this is the outskirt of the city, as in
the distance two walkers are strolling towards the city wall with a kind of half tower.
Although his embroidery is very royal, these embroideries don’t make him rich (yet?), obviously.
Pass for noble, adorn your heart:
Embroider it with grace and art.
A dress seems Royal to behold
Covered with silver and with gold
Yet it will fail as wedding dress:
To satisfy Immortal Eyes.
To praise from God and Angels win
Is what a mortal wears within.
67 Frans Hertoghs
Unity in
diversity!
theme closing celebrations of
200 year Kingdom
68
Unity in diversity, under this heading the closing celebrations of 200 year Kingdom
took place on 26 September. A festive closing spectacle on the Amstel (canal) took
place prior to the official part in Carré.
Ik hou van dit land.
mijn plek in de zon
Het heeft me veel te geven
Dit park is mijn tuin
Deze stad is mijn huis
Hier wil ik leven.
I love this country.
My place in the sun
It gives me so much
This park is my garden
This town is my house
I want to live here.
Antje Montero
With her moving voice, touching everyone, Antje opened the festive gathering in
Carré by singing the song ‘Ik hou van dit land’. Written by Angela Groothuizen she
sings the song about Holland as a country to be proud of. A country you really want
to live in.
words Marianne Visser van Klaarwater
photos Jeroen van der Meyde
69
Bird’s eye view
We see the celebrations of the 200 year Kingdom passing
by in a bird’s eye view. From the re-enacted arrival of
Prince Willem Frederik (Huub Stapel) on the beach of
Scheveningen till the last gathering in Zwolle with the
focus on volunteers.
https://www.200jaarkoninkrijk.nl/magazine-editie-01/
start-viering-301113
Frysk Youth orchestra
The honor to perform is bestowed to the winners of the
music competition, the Frysk Youth orchestra, as part of
the 200 years Kingdom. They play ‘Van Oranje’ written
by Carl Wittrock. Listening to this beautiful composition
we agree with the jury report. The report called the
performance by the Frysk Youth Orchestra ‘of a high level
with good teamwork and a beautiful interpretation of
the music. It is a pleasure to listen to this presentation.
This is a compliment to the young musicians who have
a great musical talent, but also for the conductor. The
entire partiture has been made with love. An excellent
presentation by such young people.’
Solidarity, essential for unity in diversity
Then the president of 200 years Kingdom takes the floor.
In her speech she calls the event ‘a trip through history
and a reflection on the time we live in.’ Through the
theme Unity And Diversity she points out the importance
of solidarity.
“It is important to talk and be open with each other to
bridge the gap between the different cultures.”
Shelter for fugitives
Just as now, the Netherlands has provided a shelter for
fugitives throughout the centuries. Especially during
September 2015 fugitives were flocking to our country.
What does that mean for the future? Cultural as well as
democratic. The committee 200 year Kingdom suggests to
ask the question every fifty years: how is our democracy
coping?
A simple song of freedom
And especially how is our freedom. We don’t want war
anymore, as the powerful singing along of the song ‘a
simple song of freedom’ suggests. The protest song from
the theatre production Barricade sang by Izaline Calister
and Leoni Jansen.
Unity in diversity also illuminates the position of
fugitives
After 70 years without wars the word ‘freedom’ seems
almost taken for granted. But we are also in a vulnerable
position. We have to treasure our freedom. Our unity
in diversity. Especially the many fugitives who arrive in
our country. In his speech minister Ascher called the
stories ‘heartbreaking’ and the involvement of the many
volunteers ‘heartwarming’. He called the Netherlands
one of the richest and happiest countries in the world.
The fugitives come here with high expectations, but they
left the president Ank Bijleveld-Schouten, right: one of
the former Prime Ministers Dries van Agt (youtube)
70
cannot take for granted that this will be fulfilled. “Every
day we have to put ourselves in for freedom, tolerance
and democracy.”
Presents
After a review of the national events of 200 year Kingdom
the Iraqi fugitive and piano player Ako Taher played ‘le
Cygne’ by Saint-Saens-Godwosky. I experienced this as
a present full of emotions. I was very much moved by it.
What would have happened if he hadn’t fled his country?
King Willem-Alexander received another present. Royal
Leerdam presented a commemoration vase for 200 years
Kingdom. After that a movie with exceptional interviews
of five Dutch prime-ministers is shown.
Unity and diversity for fugitives
Showing the theme ‘unity and diversity’ points out the
many people involved in 200 years Kingdom. According
to former Prime Minister Lubbers we rightfully should be
very proud to be Dutch.
In her speech the Mexican born Marifer Aguirre Boca
calls it a privilege to live in such a beautiful country. Being
the chairperson of this Kingdom’s Youth Parliament she
speaks of the future of the Kingdom.
She has a few comments on the words ‘unity and
diversity’. “I hope that the kingdom doesn’t have
borders. Nowadays many are pushed away because
they are foreigners. We have to work together to build
a future where we can be proud of a country without
discrimination.”
One world
Finally Jeroen van der Boom made clear, by singing his
song One World, that we can achieve much.
There is one world
One world
One world we borrow
Thus you and I are one
Thus keep your eyes open
And love everyone
Because we all are one
Er is één wereld
één wereld
één wereld en die hebben we te leen.
Dus jij en ik zijn een
Dus houd je ogen open
En houd van iedereen
want wij allemaal zijn één
The two year celebrations of 200 years Kingdom are
finished. Even before the official start on 30 November
2013 already 70 events had been organised. After the
start on 30 November till early September 2015 we
counted more than 200 activities within the context of
200 years Kingdom.
Nederlandse tekst:
http://www.10tips4trips.info/category/koning/
71
www.tnbtulips.com.au
foto’s Odi Busman
Nieuwe DNB Bezoekerscentrum
geopend door Koningin Máxima
Koningin Máxima heeft eind september, in bijzijn van DNB-president Klaas Knot, het nieuwe Bezoekerscentrum van
De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB) in Amsterdam geopend. In het centrum kan iedereen op interactieve wijze, door
middel van games, filmpjes of een speurtocht, ontdekken hoe de economie werkt, wat DNB doet en wat de invloed
hiervan is op hun eigen financiën.
Financiële educatie op de agenda
Tegelijk met de officiële opening ging
ook de promotiecampagne Geld vertelt
van start. Koningin Máxima kreeg na
de opening een rondleiding door het
Bezoekerscentrum, waarbij scholieren
en studenten de interactieve onderdelen
demonstreerden. Afsluitend sprak zij
met betrokkenen over het belang van
financiële educatie en de samenwerking
tussen de verschillende partijen,
waaronder DNB.
DNB-president Klaas Knot benadrukte in
zijn toespraak het belang van openheid
en toegankelijkheid. ‘We hebben onze
uiterste best gedaan om onze activiteiten
zo toegankelijk en zo interactief mogelijk
te presenteren. Hierdoor ontstaat er
meer begrip over hoe de economie en de
financiële sector in elkaar steken. En dat is
goed voor iedereen.’
72
Kennismaken met goud, geld en de economie
Het nieuwe Bezoekerscentrum richt zich op twee soorten
bezoekers. Groepen, veelal afkomstig uit het onderwijs
(van voortgezet onderwijs t/m universiteit) kunnen als
vanouds een rondleiding krijgen. Daarbij verkennen zij in
competitieverband de diverse werkterreinen van DNB,
zoals toezicht, monetair beleid, betalingsverkeer en
economisch advies.
Behalve het georganiseerde groepsbezoek biedt het
nieuwe centrum ook de gelegenheid voor ‘inloopbezoek’
op de begane grond. Voorbijgangers, toeristen en
geïnteresseerden kunnen vrij binnenlopen om kennis te
maken met DNB. Van versnipperde bankbiljetten, oude
munten tot het goud, het is allemaal te ontdekken.
Naast Nederlandse zijn ook buitenlandse bezoekers van
harte welkom. Het centrum is tweetalig ingericht, in het
Nederlands en Engels. DNB Bezoekerscentrum is geopend
van maandag tot en met vrijdag tijdens kantooruren.
Groepsbezoek kan worden geboekt via de website.
: admin@naasa.org.au
community-admin@naasa.org.au
73
Netherlands
Film Festival 2015
More than 350 films and numerous
events in ten days
From 23 September until 2 October 2015, the city of Utrecht for the 35th time was the location of the Netherlands Film
Festival. With more than 350 (!) Dutch and Flemish films, documentaries, TV productions, transmedia and interactive
projects and numerous events!
words Ton van Rooij
A huge Golden
Calf, mounted
on top of an
information stand
of the NFF. (photo:
Ton van Rooij)
Wide diversity of films
The NFF opened with J. Kessels by Erik de Bruyn. In this filming
of the picaresque by P.F. Thomése, writer Frans Thomése and
his favourite character J. Kessels, a heavy smoker and drinker,
undertake a road trip to Hamburg. The titular character
is partially modelled after Jos Kessels, a journalist of the
newspaper Eindhovens Dagblad who for many years wrote film
reviews, but later on switched to writing a daily column.
Among the other films on the programme were productions
as diverse as the interesting and beautifully shot road movie
Meet Me in Venice by Eddy Terstall, the brilliant and surpriseladen crime comedy De Grote Zwaen (The Great Zwaen) by Max
Porcelijn and the highly captivating documentary Het Nieuwe
Rijksmuseum – De Film (The New Rijksmuseum – The Film) by
Oeke Hoogendijk.
In Meet Me in Venice, a young woman reminisces about the
reunification with her Venice-based Italian father, who had
run off when she was three. In flashbacks, we see her travel to
Istanbul with him and eventually discovering the real reason he
had invited her over after all these years.
In 2012, Max Porcelijn won the Golden Calf for the script of
another comedic crime film he had directed, Plan C. Many cast
members of Plan C return in De Grote Zwaen, be it as different
characters. It’s the bizarre story of writer Gerard F. Zwaen,
who finds a bag full of money in the house of his – just killed
– accountant. From then on, things go awry… Perfectly cast as
Zwaen is Peter van de Witte, who does an fantastic job. Also
marvellous are the portrayals of Ton Kas as a sharp-tongued
criminal and Michiel Romeyn as a remorseless crime lord.
74
A view of the square Neude in the centre of Utrecht during the NFF 2015,
close to the festival pavilion. (Photo: Ton van Rooij)
Oeke Hoogendijk re-edited her four-part documentary
series Het Nieuwe Rijksmuseum (2008-2013), winner of
the Golden Calf for the Special Jury Prize in 2013, into
a cinema film. It follows the ten-year, problem-plagued
renovation of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. It also
shows the longstanding and almost surreal discussion
over a bicycle underpass through the building. As director
Wim Pijbes at one point sighs: “I occupy myself nowadays
more with cyclists than Rembrandt!”
available on DVD of via a digital link for the voters as they
feared this could lead to piracy.
The historical epic Michiel de Ruyter by Roel Reiné was
originally withdrawn from the Golden Calf competition by
producer Klaas de Jong, but later he revoked his decision.
De Jong emphasized he hadn’t jumped on his soapbox
out of discontent with the lack of appreciation for Michiel
de Ruyter, but because he felt the Golden Calf gala has
been an elite party for arthouse films for many years and
mainstream films should get more appreciation.
Dutch film: more international than you think
Each year the NFF has a main theme. This year, the
choice had fallen upon ‘Grenzeloos Nederlands’ (‘Dutch
without Frontiers’). The programme linked to this gave
an impression of the international scope of today’s Dutch
film.
One of the films screened in this framework was Zurich
by Sacha Polak. In this compelling, penetrating and
sometimes very intense drama, singer Wendy Snijders is
masterful in her film debut as Nina, a tormented woman
who tries to forget her past by wandering along the
highways of Europe. Zurich proves you don’t necessarily
need a lot of dialogue to bring a powerful story to the
screen and grab the viewer’s attention.
Golden Calves 2015
The big winner of this year’s NFF became Gluckauf by
Remy van Heugten. This drama, spoken in Limburg dialect
and based upon the director’s own childhood, was
awarded with four Golden Calfs: for Best Picture, Best
Director, Best Screenplay (Gustaaf Peek) and Best Camera
work (Mark van Aller). The exclamation ‘Gluckauf!’,
derived from the German ‘Glück auf!’, is what miners
worldwide greet each other with and means ‘Get to the
surface safely!’ In the film, a father and son, who already
don’t have it easy, get involved in the sordid affairs of an
underworld figure.
The Golden Calf for Best Actress went to Georgina
Verbaan for her leading role in De Surprise (The Surprise),
a romantic comedy with a twist based on a novel by
Belcampo and directed by Mike van Diem. Martijn Fischer
won the Golden Calf for Best Actor for his portrayal of
singer André Hazes in the biopic Bloed, Zweet & Tranen
(Blood, Sweat & Tears) by Diederick Koopal. Honoured
with this – pretty heavy – statuette for Best Supporting
Actress and Best Supporting Actor were Hadewych Minis
and Raymond Thiry, both for Bloed, Zweet & Tranen.
Those Who Feel the Fire Burning by Morgan Knibbe was
awarded twice: for Best Long Documentary and Best
Sound Design (Vincent Sinceretti and Taco Drijfhout). Or
New voting system for feature-length productions
To judge films in the categories Feature Film and Long
Documentary for the ‘Dutch Oscars’, the Golden Calfves,
for the first time an Academy System was used. This
meant that the nominations and winners were rewarded
by hundreds of film professionals.
Not everybody was too happy with this new system,
though. De Ontsnapping (The Escape), Ineke Houtman’s
film adaptation of Heleen van Royen’s eponymous novel,
was even withdrawn from the festival by its producers.
They submitted that they didn’t want to make their film
75
three times actually, as it also won the
Prize of the Directors’ Forum, a brand
new competition. This unconventional,
poetical and topical documentary explores
a pressing social problem: the dead-end
situation of refugees at the European
borders.
Lauded as Best Television Drama was
Geen Koningen in Ons Bloed (No Kings in
Our Blood) by Mees Peijnenburg. It shows
the struggles and dreams of Tomas, a
withdrawn seventeen-year old, and his
fiery sister Naomi, who try to stay afloat
in the world of youth welfare. Named
Best Actress and Best Actor in a Television
Drama were Ariane Schluter in Een
Goed Leven by Aaron Rookus and Jonas
Smulders in Geen Koningen in Ons Bloed.
Smulders, by the way, also stars in Een
Goed Leven. In the endearing and at times
intense drama Een Goed Leven, the justwidowed, financially broke, middle-aged
Helen (Ariane Schluter) blossoms when
she meets economy student Joeri (Jonas
Smulders), who in his spare time works as
an escort for men.
48 Hour Film Project and Shortcutz
In the globally spread 48 Hour Film Project
competition, participants are challenged
to write, shoot and edit a film in just
48 hours! During the NFF, the Utrecht
edition of it was held. Winner became
the collective Pretty Fly for Welkom
(Welcome), the tale of two refugees who
are welcomed ‘by the book’.
Another international short film
initiative that has settled in Holland is Shortcutz. Every
Tuesday evening in Amsterdam, this platform for young
filmmakers presents work by up-and-coming talents. On
1 October 2015, the 100th Dutch Shortcutz edition was
celebrated – at the NFF! To add lustre to this jubilee,
props from recent Dutch films were auctioned, with all
proceeds being invested into the film platform. Serving as
auctioneer was film journalist and filmmaker Jan Doense.
Auction pieces included a hammer from Gluckauf,
reproductions of old masters and a necklace from Michiel
de Ruyter, a scarf from Bloed, Zweet & Tranen and a
teddy bear from Alex van Warmerdam’s psychological
thriller Borgman. Doense himself also bought something:
a replica of a painting by Rembrandt from Michiel de
Ruyter. Director Roel Reiné told the attendees that
Rembrandt van Rijn and Michiel de Ruyter had lived in
the same street in Amsterdam and therefore he thought
it would be nice gimmick to briefly show the painter in his
film while he was walking down a street with a painting.
Festival reporter and host Daphne Bunskoek embraces
Dutch film
On Dutch television, Daphne Bunskoek has been covering
76
poster of the crime comedy De Grote Zwaen
the NFF for a few years now. She also serves as one of the
festival hosts.
The Dutch film has been showing an upward trend lately,
as Daphne has noticed, too. “Just the other day we had
some young directors in our programme, including Sam
de Jong and Mees Peijnenburg. It’s wonderful to see
how much talent there is and how passionate they are to
make films, whether they have a budget for it or not.”
Of the films screened at the NFF, which ones does she
rank among her favourites? “A superb film, I thought, was
The Paradise Suite, the Dutch entry for the Oscars. [In this
film by Joost van Ginkel, the storylines of highly different
multicultural characters gradually get intertwined – TvR.]
And with Those Who Feel the Fire Burning, Morgan
Knibbe has made a very impressive film about the refugee
problems.”
About the significance of the NFF for the Dutch film, she
says: “I think it’s tremendously important that there’s
a place for the Dutch film where makers and visitors
gather, where people are informed about film, where film
professionals get interviewed, where you can exchange
talents and where we can celebrate with each other what
a tiny country like the Netherlands can bring about.”
Actress Truus de Boer on Pijnstillers, working
abroad and more
One of the film professionals we met is actress
Truus de Boer. In Pijnstillers (Painkillers),
programmed at the festival, she portrays an
art gallery assistant. In this drama by Tessa
Schram, a number of events leave a profound
impression on Casper (Gijs Blom), a fifteen-year
old who grew up without his father Robert
(Raymond Thirty).
A few years ago, Truus played in the Peter
Greenaway-directed medieval drama Goltzius
and the Pelican Company, revolving around
Dutch printmaker, draftsman and painter
Hendrik Goltzius (1558-1617). In two other
international films, the American/Indian/
Belgian thriller The Fifth Estate by Bill Condon
and the Belgian/Turkish crime film Son Oyun by
Tabanli Sinan, Ilhan Akgul and Kurt Cammon,
she portrayed a member of the Diplomatic
Staff of the US State Department and a Russian
diplomat, respectively.
A recent project in which she has a pivotal
role is Versteend Verlangen (Petrified Desire),
directed by Stef Prein. It’s made up of a solo
theatre performance and a series of short
films about the extraordinarily dramatic life of
French sculptress Camille Claudel (1864-1943),
best known as sculptor Auguste Rodin’s lover.
How did you land your role in Pijnstillers?
“I was asked to play this role, which was only
small, by one of the producers, with whom I
had worked before. He had me in mind and
after deliberating with the director, she was
okay with it, too. So I didn’t need to audition
for it.”
What did you find the most memorable about
working on Pijnstillers?
“I loved working with Raymond Thiry, who I
think is a one of the best actors in Holland. In
the film, I introduce father and son to each
other. It’s the first time they meet each other,
so it’s a key scene, really.”
You have taken part in five 48 Hour Film
Projects. What was that like?
“It was great fun! The time limit often causes
stress among the people involved, but it all
depends on how you deal with it. When a
team doesn’t manage to meet the deadline,
it’s usually because something had gone wrong
in the post-production. It’s a pressure cooker,
but the advantage of it is that at the end of the
weekend, you already see the result! The 48
Hour Film Project I participated in last August
in Rotterdam, Tot Zondag, directed by Marc
Eikelenboom, turned out very nice. In this film,
photos from top: Under the supervision of film journalist and filmmaker Jan Doense
(extreme right), various props from Dutch films were auctioned on the occasion of
the 100th edition of Shortcutz, such as this necklace worn by Tygo Gernandt (second
from left) in Michiel de Ruyter, directed by Roel Reiné (second from right);
Actor Tygo Gernandt (extreme left) from Michiel de Ruyter, Diederick Koopal,
director of Bloed, Zweet & Tranen (second from left), Joram Willink (second from
right), producer of Gluckauf and Roel Reiné, director of Michiel de Ruyter, asking
each other questions after the auctioning of props from Dutch films;
Daphne Bunskoek interviews Dutch production designer Jan Roelfs, who’s worked on
a lot of foreign films, including Alexander, Gattaca, 47 Ronin and The Cook, The Thief,
His Wife and Her Lover, the last two of which were screened at the NFF.
(Photos: Ton van Rooij)
77
which also stars [well-known actor and singer] Charly
Luske, a group of relatives discovers a family secret.”
for instance, made the film Deal with the money he
raised [€ 120,000!] via crowdfunding.”
You have worked on multiple international productions.
Do you intend to do so more?
“Most important of all to me is to play beautiful,
challenging roles. Not really important to me is whether I
do that in the Netherlands or abroad. I think if you want
to act abroad, it’s better to first lay a solid foundation in
the Netherlands – or, just like me, work on international
projects while continuing to reside in the Netherlands.
Simply going to Los Angeles to try your luck there is
something I frankly don’t believe in.”
Director Aaron Rookus on his Golden Calf-winning film
Een Goed Leven
One of the filmmakers we spoke with is Aaron Rookus,
director of Een Goed Leven.
The graduation film he made at the Hogeschool voor de
Kunsten Utrecht (University of the Arts Utrecht, HKU), I
Wish I Could Share The Happiness Of Being Alone With
Someone Else, a moving drama about the dreams of an
autistic youngster, was awarded with the HKU Award for
Best Graduation Project and Golden Cameras for Best
Actor, Editing and Art Direction at the Eindhovens Film
Festival. It was also screened in Australia: on 26 July 2011
at Short Cut in Melbourne, a periodically-held short film
show organized by filmmaker Ivan Malekin.
For the 48 Hour Film Project Amsterdam, he made
Rauwtafel (Rawtable). This spine-chilling film about a
woman who’s chained to a table in a house of cannibals
walked away with the 48HFP prizes for Best Film and Best
Sound Design. It was also screened at the Cannes Film
Festival.
His short film Woensdagen (Wednesdays), a gripping tale
on child abuse, won awards at the GoShort festival in
Nijmegen and Shortcutz Amsterdam, as well as the VERS
Award of the Association of New Film and TV Makers.
Following naturally from Woensdagen was his next short,
Balance, which dealt with sexual abuse.
Over the last years, have you noticed any significant
changes in the Dutch film industry?
“Crowdfunding is increasingly being used and it’s also
considered
increasingly
normal to
do so. With
crowdfunding,
all kinds of
projects get off
the ground that
never would
have been
sponsored by
a fund. And
because you
make people
enthusiastic
about your
envisaged
film, you
immediately
build an
audience for it.
Nowadays, even
established
filmmakers use
it. Eddy Terstall,
How did it feel to be sitting in the Beatrix Theater on 2
October as one of the Golden Calf contenders?
“I was very ill at the time. I had the flu and therefore
had lots of paper handkerchiefs with me. I wasn’t really
nervous. I was just totally happy I got nominated.”
78
What went through you when the winner of the Golden
Calf for Best Television Drama turned out not to be Een
Goed Leven?
“I was already thrilled that Ariane Schluter had won. I
thought: ‘Fine, then I at least don’t have to go to the
stage with my sick head.’”
When looking back at the
shooting, what remarkable
moments come to mind?
“In one shot, a gecko was
supposed to look at Helen.
Of course you can’t train a
gecko, but while we were
filming, he all in a sudden
looked at her, which was
truly a magic moment! Not
that pleasant was shooting
the scenes in which Helen
and Joeri get seated on
swings and start swinging.
It was very warm and
therefore everybody had lied down on the grass. But that
made it hard to get these scenes shot without getting
those people in the frame.”
choice.”
Did you attend any of the NFF events and if so, which ones
were the most inspiring to you?
Truus: “Particularly inspiring to me was the speech by
British agent Richard Cook. He bluntly said that the whole
Dutch casting system is absurd. In Holland, two agencies,
Kemna Casting and Oi Mundo, hold a monopoly position
– and that’s something you don’t see anywhere else. If
they favour you, then you get all the roles. If not, then
you’re just down on your luck. On top of that, and that’s
what you don’t see in other countries either, they have a
double function: they defend the interests of both talents
and clients. Cook felt this system urgently needs to be
overhauled. That’s exactly what many actors have been
wanting for years, but the big question is how you could
achieve this.”
Aaron: “I didn’t attend any events. I was too busy because
of the nominations for my film and because I was part of
the jury of the Junior Golden Calf competition.”
How did the casting of Ariane Schluter and Jonas
Smulders come about?
“Because Ariane Schluter is a renowned actress, we
had asked her, while Jonas Smulders had auditioned. It
was sheer delight to work with Ariane, who has a very
professional attitude. Jonas works differently, impulsedriven. Ariane found it interesting to bring these two
acting styles together. And for me it was very instructive
to streamline all this.”
How have the responses to your film been so far?
“The film was received very well, also after the TV
broadcast on 4 October.”
How were your experiences with making the 48 Hour Film
Project Rauwtafel?
“It was great fun and a good learning experience. The
way I look at it, though, the 48 Hour Film Project is not so
much about telling a story, but rather about being prolific.
It’s a nice exercise in collaborating with people, but in my
opinion, it’s not a means to make a film with substance.
Furthermore, you can’t make your voice heard, because
you’re bound to a theme.”
Further information
www.filmfestival.nl
www.truusdeboer.com
www.aaronrookus.com
www.48hourfilm.com
http://shortcutznetwork.com
Looking back at the NFF with Truus de Boer and Aaron
Rookus
What films of this year’s NFF did you see, among others?
Truus: “I very much liked De Overkant (The Opposite Side),
a magnificently stylised, semi-autobiographical short film
by Heddy Honigmann about the childhood of stand-up
comedian Freek de Jonge. I also was pleasantly surprised
by Deserted, a crowdfunded short by Niels Bourgonje.
In this film, shot in America, a man walking through a
desert, no matter how thirsty he is, doesn’t drink from
the bottle of water he has with him.”
Aaron: “Among the films I saw was J. Kessels, which I
didn’t find particularly strong. Those Who Feel the Fire
Burning, on the other hand, I thought was very innovative
in terms of form, cleverly made and a strong debut.
This mix of documentary and fiction was told from the
perspective of a deceased man, which was an ironclad
photos previous page:
Truus de Boer as a Russian diplomat in the Belgian/Turkish
crime film Son Oyun.
Aaron Rookus, director of one of Golden Calf-winning films, the
TV drama Een Goed Leven.
this page: Ariane Schluter in the endearing and at times intense
drama Een Goed Leven.
79
some images of Sail Amsterdam 2015,
photos Odi Busman
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ADDRESS
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