In a week’s time the theater production ‘Het Huis 44-24’ will start. The performance visits four different locations in Brabant and Limburg, two outdoor and two indoor locations. That requires a lot of flexibility from the decor team.
Ron Reffeltrath is responsible for the set design and construction. A week before the premiere, he gives instructions to the crew in the castle garden of Kasteel Gemert, the first performance location. There is pressure, because in a few days there will be a rehearsal in ‘Het Huis’.
The play is about two families; one in 1944 just before the liberation and one in our current era, 2024. Their two stories become intertwined. “It partly takes place at home. I had to take that into account when designing the set. Another important factor is that it can be put together and taken apart easily and quickly because we play at four different locations.”
Building in an old chicken coop
Reffeltrath started working on these challenges about a year ago. Construction started in January with a team of five in an old chicken coop in Deurne. “Due to the bad weather we were unable to set it up outside. This is the first time that I have seen the whole thing and that we can finish it.”
We can’t reveal too much, but it is certain that ‘The House’ will look impressive. This is evident from the dimensions alone: six and a half meters high, four meters deep and eight meters wide. The inspiration for the facade came ‘very simply’ from Funda, says producer Bas Leenders.
“It had to be a house that could stand in both 1944 and 2024. We have gradually adjusted it in consultation with Casper, our technician, and with Rick, the director. All details must be correct. People also expect that from us after our previous productions, such as ‘Weg uit De Peel’.”
Moving and changing
After the first round of play from May 17 to June 1 in the Gemert castle garden, the whole event will move to Overloon. The performances take place there in the open-air theater. “That presents us with a new challenge, because there is water with a bridge between the decor and the playing surface,” Reffeltrath explains.
In mid-September and at the end of October, the De Theatermakers Foundation will go indoors for the first time since its founding. The Munttheater in Weert and Theater aan de Parade in Den Bosch then function as performance locations.
“This brings a completely different atmosphere. Outside we take advantage of the falling darkness in the evening, inside we have other options with light. That is why we are also presenting an afternoon performance in the theaters,” says the producer. One thing is certain: ‘Het Huis 44-24’ will be slightly different at every location. The decor adapts to this like a chameleon.
Tickets are still available for all performance dates except May 17. Check Het Huis 44-24 for the exact dates and locations.
Photos: Babette Margés
