Deshima
400 years Holland-Japan
According to the true story of Hendrik Doeff, chief agent of the factory in Japan, during the years 1800-1817.
Holland and Japan entertain exceptional relations. Not only because of the fact that these relations are 400 years old but more because for more than 200 years they were exclusive. The VOC was the sole Western trading economy allowed to trade in Japan. Trade was permitted under very strict conditions on the artificial island Deshima. For a couple of centuries Deshima was the one and only 'window on the Western world'. It became the Japanese focus for cultural exchange.
Deshima, situated in the Bay of Nagasaki, is a miraculous creation. It is a fan-shaped artificial island which has been given to the Dutch VOC in 1641. According to the legend, where the shogun was asked how the island should be built, he merely spread his fan. Japanese artists have created their own image on Deshima in the fascinating Nagasaki-prints, which are part of the theatrical show.
Deshima, 1813. The French have annexed the Netherlands. The East-Indies have been conquered by the English. Only on Deshima does the Dutch continue to fly. For years on end Hendrik Doeff has been waiting for a ship signaling that the protracted European war has ended. That particular day, what is thought to be a Dutch ship approaches the Deshima roads. The joyful atmosphere dissipates when the ship turns out to be a British vessel which want to take Deshima over from the Dutch. Thanks to Doeff's outstanding diplomatic skills, he saves Deshima for the Dutch.
In 1815 Doeff makes his final court journey to Edo (Tokio) and presents the shogun the gifts brought to Japan for him. We are witnessing the festival of a visitation to the royal court according to traditions 200 years ago, including a samurai ritual, a teaceremony and a fan dance. Back on Deshima, Doeff is forced to wait until 1817 when the Dutch fleet sails into Nagasaki Bay. His adjudant, Jan Cock Blomhoff, appears in the name of the new Netherlands with the message that the war is over. After eighteen years Doeff can finally return to the Netherlands.
After the success of the 'Heeren 17', author and director Ab Gietelink again presents a fabulous documentary theatre play which is nourished in the colonial history of Holland. This play is an imaginative, audacious experience. A multidisciplinary theatrical event, firmly set in a unique setting of Dutch overseas history. It will leave you feeling spiritually cleansed and with a smile on your face.
The production is running the whole summer 2000 in different places in the Netherlands. *
Ticket reservations, tel.: +31-20-525 1930
Further information: tel.: +31-20-694 1082