Het Houten Huis & Theater STAP present
Voor ze verdwijnen
An extraordinary expedition in the forest
Scientists are astonished: a colony of the nearly extinct Homo Parvalis Punctuum has been discovered in a protected nature reserve. A small humanoid species with pointed hats, also known as gnomes. An exceptionally rare find!
Director Elien van den Hoek won the Nederlandse Theater Festival (NTF) Directing Award for this production, which was unanimously selected by the Nederlandse Toneeljury as the most impressive theatre production of 2024/2025.
“Cruel and tender, moving and heartbreaking: in this vibrant fairy tale, music, performance, design, and setting are seamlessly balanced. How do we relate to those who are different from us? That is the central question hanging over this story. And the creators offer no easy or comforting conclusions.”
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Thanks to the groundbreaking techniques developed by Professor Dr. R. Fedyk, you too can now study these extraordinary and peaceful creatures in their natural habitat.
A spectrometric field, positioned between you and the gnomes’ world, ensures that you remain completely undetected. The so-called Parva Detector locates gnomes and functions much like a magnifying glass. With magnification of up to 1,293%, it allows you to observe the community closely and without disturbing them.
Don’t wait any longer—broaden your view of the Gnome, a species from which humankind still has much to learn. Book this unique expedition to the reserve today!
Disclaimer
Research has shown that gnomes tend to appear at roughly the same time on each occasion. However, past observations do not guarantee future sightings. Please also bear in mind that nature can be unpredictable and unforgiving. For this reason, participation by children under the age of twelve is strongly discouraged.
Collaboration
Driven by a shared fascination with this newly discovered species, Het Houten Huis has joined forces with the Belgian theatre company Theater STAP for this expedition.
As Seen in the Press
This was absolutely amazing! A beautiful performance. I went in feeling light-hearted and left deep in philosophical thought.
Caroline Borgers – Opium op Oerol (AVRO/TROS)
“This imaginative gnome expedition is meticulously conceived (…) Within its artfully and cheerfully designed setting, events often take a remarkably brutal turn. Yet there is still plenty of room for humour throughout.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
NRC
Credits
- Elien van den Hoek - Direction & script |
- Zoscha van Erkel - Company Manager |
- Anne van Dorp - Direction assistent |
- Meghan Dobbelsteijn Bisschops, Jildou van den Berg - Supported by |
- Radek Fedyk - Music, Composition & Performance |
- Ann Dockx, Ties Van Doninck, Tineke Van Haut, Liesbeth De Hertogh, Johannes de Jong, Peter Janssens, Jason Van Laere, Jelle Palmaerts, Tjebbe Roelofs, Clara Ottignon, Leen Teunkens, Anke Verwaest, Gitte Wens - Performance |
- Hanne Bouman - Technical producer |
- Gerrit Schilp - Technical Director |
- Tomas van Schelven - Sound |
- Wytze Veenstra, Tjebbe Witteveen, Loeki Wiefferink - Backstage Technicians |
- Douwe Hibma, Marlies Schot, André Kok - Design & Props |
- Freja Roelofs - Props & costumes |
- Desirée van Gelderen - Light design |
- Roy Vermeer - Carpenter |
- Marc Bryssinck, Marleen Jongens - Dramaturgy |
- Elien van den Hoek, Anne Harbers - Original Concept |
- David van Griethuysen, Maarten Smit, Het Houten Huis team - Advice |
- Anne Harbers - Portret pictures |
- Kim Arntzen - Thanks to
Dates and times
Ticket costs
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Standard ticket€24,50
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Student (with valid student ID)€19,50
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CJP-pas (with a valid CJP card)€15,00
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Try-out price on September 4€19,50
Extra information
Please note: Stroboscopic lighting effects are used during the performance. These may affect individuals who are sensitive to flashing lights.
Try-out: On Friday, September 4, at 3:00 PM, there will be a try-out performance. Tickets for the try-out are €19.50.
Language: This performance is in Dutch.
Student tickets
Are you purchasing discounted student tickets? If so, you must bring a valid student ID and present it at the entrance.
Duration of the expedition: 75 minutes (no intermission).
Admission: Het Bostheater opens 60 minutes before the start of the performance.
Age recommendation: This performance is recommended for ages 12 and up.
Dogs are welcome, but…
…please be aware that loud noises may occur during the performance. If your dog is easily startled or sensitive to loud sounds, we recommend leaving your pet at home.
Wheelchair spaces
Do you require a wheelchair space? Please email us at publiek@bostheater.nl with the date and time of your visit to the Bostheater.
A gift before they disappear?
You can give a Bostheater gift voucher! Click the button below for more information.
