Musical about the Peace Palace

The Hague’s international icon, the Peace Palace, will celebrate its 100-year anniversary on 28 August 2013. Teenagers in The Hague will get a chance to put on a musical based on the theme ‘The Hague, my city of peace and justice’. The premiere of ‘Peace Palace The Musical’ will take place in September 2013 in the Koninklijke Schouwburg.

The idea was thought up by The Hague Bridge, a programme of activities which tries to bring the notion of The Hague as city of peace and justice closer to its residents.  

According to Deputy Mayor Ingrid van Engelshoven (Education, Public Services), ‘It is important that young people are aware of the city’s unique position. We are a city without walls, open to the entire world. We need to send this message to residents starting at an early age.’

The Koorenhuis

The Koorenhuis has turned the idea into a special project. One of the project’s primary goals is to develop young talent. Talented secondary school students will learn how they can create a musical under the guidance of professionals and specialist instructors. The process will offer them the chance to further develop their talents in the areas of acting, singing, dancing, writing, making music, set design and theatre technique.

The Nederlands Dans Theater, Residentie Orkest, Royal Conservatoire, Koninklijke Schouwburg, Nationale Toneel, De Dutch Don't Dance Division and the Koorenhuis will join forces in this project. Auditions will take place at the beginning of 2013 at the various theatres around the Spuiplein.

Cultural programme

In addition to the musical, a cultural programme will be created for all secondary school students in The Hague around the 100-year anniversary of the Peace Palace. The Carnegie Foundation, Humanity House and Koorenhuis will provide tours and artistic workshops. In addition, debating contests will be organised. Everything will be done under the titles ‘De Kunst van de Dialoog’ (The Art of the Dialogue) and ‘De Kunst van het Conflict’ (The Art of the Conflict). The material for the cultural programme will serve as a source of inspiration for the musical.

‘Peace Palace The Musical’ will be included in The Hague’s bid book for the title of European Capital of Culture in 2018 as an example of art education which brings together all segments of society.

You can get more information about this project from project leader Ms. Eef Lanoye by sending an email to: peacepalace@koorenhuis.nl.

More information is also available on the website peaceofme.nl.