Gijsbreght Van Aemstel

17th century tradition full of song, action and spectacle

This blockbuster by Joost van den Vondel has been attracting packed houses for over 385 years and the story of the mythical lord of Amsterdam, who tries to protect his city on Christmas night from Kennemeren and the people of Haarlem, appeals to the imagination. An tragedy that has made generations think about fate, prosperity and adversity and the choice between love and duty, personal or general interest. A piece with a moral and artistic message, which has lost none of its expressiveness with Kwast's approach, which goes back to 17th-century theater practice. An approach that interprets the piece according to the theatrical reality for which Vondel wrote. Not classical theatre; but a 17th-century tragedy full of song, action and spectacle.

7th edition

For the seventh year in a row, The Dylan, in collaboration with Theater Kwast, is organizing this longest-running theater tradition in the world, at the exact location where it began more than 385 years ago. The Amsterdam version of the Trojan horse illustrates the decline of medieval Amsterdam, which gave way to the 17th century.