THE STORY OF JONGE HARTEN
Read the story of Jonge Harten, what we stand for, who we are and what we do.
Our Story
At Jonge Harten, we believe that theater brings people together and makes issues discussable (no matter how big or small). We make the festival with a young team, young theater makers and with you. Because together we are the future and we can make a difference.
Play around
Jonge Harten 2024 has a playful mindset: “play around. An invitation to blow up existing frameworks, claim your own place, make your own choices and try out new things. In short to play around! Because then you will see that you will come to new insights and experiences.
Isn’t play for children?
Do you think play is only for small children? Wrong! Everyone needs to be playful in life. The world often seems to demand of us that we already know everything, have everything in order (school, work, friends, ambitions, dreams, social media) and choose one direction only once. But what if we look at this differently? Instead of just learning the rules, let’s open things up to play and experience things you didn’t expect.
Play can be physical, but also in your imagination. Imagine things that at first seem crazy or impossible, and dare to come up with new ideas and solutions. This is how we can positively change and renew the world. By playing with imagination, we explore other realities and dream of what else is possible. And it’s also just more fun, because not everything follows set rules.
What would your world look like if you started playing with your thoughts? What boxes do you break open? What avenues would you like to explore? Don’t worry, you don’t have to choose definitive answers. Things are allowed to coexist. All the voices within you are allowed to be there. And if you fall down? Then get up and choose another path. As long as it is your way. Dare to take your place. Dare to think of things you haven’t thought of before. Dare to play!
Jonge Harten programs future scenarios
In this all-important century, you young people are in control. We choose performances and programs by young makers who understand the challenges you face. We encourage our creators and you to ask questions out loud and make your doubts visible. In order to take small steps towards future scenarios together, through imagination. Because imagination is the source of everything. Because if you can’t imagine it, it can’t exist.
Your voice counts
With our programming, rather than trying to “teach” you something, we invite you, in a safe environment, to engage in conversation about what you have experienced. We take all input, opinions and perspectives seriously. Because every voice counts and teaches us something about ourselves and our relationship to each other. So herewith an ode to doubting, determined, unheard, disobedient, necessary, questioning, inquiring, alternative, courageous, motivating, connecting and critical voices. Only with all these voices together will there be room for self-reflection, new knowledge and insights.
Of course, we understand that it is not so easy to be vulnerable. It takes courage to go against something when (almost) everyone seems to have a different opinion. Yet the voice of the minority is precisely what matters! By standing up and speaking out, you can inspire others and set them in motion. That is exactly what young theater talents within our festival are doing and we hope you dare to do the same.
PS If you want to participate, collaborate or if you just want to have a good conversation, you’re always welcome! Check out the possibilities here or send us an email: info@jongeharten.nl.
Play around