Queen Máxima attended the opening of the Theater Zuidplein in Rotterdam on Wednesday.
The new space, which also holds a branch of the Rotterdam Library, has allowed for greater space and opportunities to present diverse arts productions, including theatre, art, literature, education sessions, and informational sessions. The Theater Zuidplein also houses a restaurant.
The Royal House notes that Theater Zuidplein’s new space “offers more space to involve the Rotterdam public and more opportunities for internships and training places in our own work/learning company Lab-Z. The producing house company Stage-Z makes national theatre productions about social issues in today’s metropolitan society.”
During her visit, Queen Máxima toured the facilities and was treated to a dance and musical performance.
Theater Zuidplein notes that Queen Máxima was treated to a spoken word and dance performance by Xclusiv Company and Flow, house partners, and Witte Raaf performed as part of a youth contingent called Ali en Nino at the Kleine Zaal area. Women Connected also performed for Queen Máxima, performing an interactive dance routine.
Following these creative performances, Queen Máxima spoke with the people behind Lab-Z, a learning workshop at the theatre, to hear more about how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted their work and the theatre in general.
The Royal House noted: “Theater Zuidplein creates and presents theatre for everyone. Special attention is given to people from diverse backgrounds and cultures, to people with a small budget and to people who are not very familiar with theatre. The producing house company Stage-Z makes national theatre productions about social issues in today’s metropolitan society. The new building of Theater Zuidplein offers more space to involve the Rotterdam public and more opportunities for internship and training places, including in the own Lab-Z workshop.”
Other guests at Wednesday’s official opening included Mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb and residents of Rotterdam.