by TUSK international Theatre Company
- part of the Mare Liberum Commemorations –
FOLLOW THE PRODUCTION ON THE PRODUCTION-BLOG
LOCATION & DATES
The Supreme Court (Entrance Kazernestraat 52, The Hague)
9, 10, 11 and 25 November 20.15 hrs
RABO bank (Korte Vijverberg 2, The Hague close to Mauritshuis)
12 and 13 November 20.15 hrs
Museum Sculptures at the Sea (Harteveldstraat 1, The Hague-Scheveningen)
17, 20, 24 and 27 November 20.15 hrs
VOC-ship Amsterdam (close to Central Station: Oosterdok 2, Amsterdam)
19, 21 and 22 November 20.15 hrs
Tickets & RESERVATION
€ 22,50 Full Price
€ 21,00 Haguestcard, Uitpas
€ 19,50 STET, TUSK mailinglist members
€ 15,00 CJP/Students
Reservations online in the Ticketshop or
@ The English Theatre T. 06 300 500 18
INFORMATION
The publication of Mare Liberum (Free Sea) in 1609 by the Dutch jurist and philosopher Hugo Grotius has been of paramount importance to the development of international law. Some even attribute Grotius’ new principle of the sea as international territory as the starting point for international law. Reason for the municipality of The Hague to commission Ton Theo Smit to write a play as part of the commemorations: Nieuw Loevestein (in English New Crusoe)
Law philosopher Hugo Robinson has taken his sailing yacht into the quiet waters of the ocean to enjoy his retirement and to contemplate life as well as his favourite subject, international law. He’s not permitted to think about these things for long as his yacht is entered by pirates. They throw Hugo overboard, and he survives thanks to his trustworthy and sturdy Samsonite suitcase.
The play begins when Hugo arrives on a deserted island. Facing loneliness and endless discussions with himself, he starts looking at life from a different angle. He thinks he’s alone but to his great surprise one of the pirates is washed ashore as well. Is he hallucinating or is the man really there? Can the two men talk to each other like civilised creatures or does this situation call for unexpected solutions? Who else is on the island…? A magical but realistic play with a dark edge.
Drang Theatre Company will perform the original Dutch text at various locations in The Hague. In view of the international aspects of these commemorations Drang searched around for an international partner to perform Nieuw Loevestein in English as New Crusoe. TUSK international Theatre Company, the only Hague based international theatre company, was the obvious choice.
From an artistic point of view, it creates a hugely interesting situation as the very same play will be performed by two different casts, one Dutch and the other an international - partly British- theatre company. Different theatrical traditions will enhance the idea of internationalism which is so important in this play. Well-known Dutch director Jaap Postma will direct the Drang performance of Nieuw Loevestein. Ellis Van Maarseveen, founder of TUSK, will direct New Crusoe with an international cast.
TUSK’s performances will deepen the international understanding of the publication of Mare Liberum. The performances will provide a perfect connection between the Dutch - and the international community of The Hague.
With thanks to:
