According to director Gerold Guthman, the Almere theater company Vis à Vis has launched its debut try-out of the new production Carrousel in Almere Poort, following months of set construction, technical problem-solving, and rehearsals. The performance explores a Surinamese family grappling with a colonial past and their own future, mirroring elements of Guthman’s own life as a director of Surinamese descent.
Behind the Scenes of the New Almere Production
Building the world of Carrousel required extensive technical preparation. According to Vis à Vis, the team spent months constructing intricate stage sets, solving complex engineering challenges, and running rigorous rehearsals before opening the doors to a live audience. For director Gerold Guthman, the project carries deep personal resonance, drawing on themes of family history and the legacy of slavery.
“Vandaag voor het eerst een volle tribune, spannend!” Guthman said, according to the production notes. “Was deze voorstelling eerst nog een beetje van ons, nu gaan we de deur openzetten voor iedereen. Ik ben benieuwd wat mensen gaan zeggen en wat ze ervan vinden.”
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Audience Reactions to the Stunts and Storyline
The initial try-out ran smoothly, with all theatrical stunts executing as planned. Early audiences responded with strong praise for both the technical spectacle and the thematic depth of the production, according to viewer feedback gathered after the curtain fell.
“In één woord geweldig,” said one attendee who had previously watched multiple shows by Vis à Vis. “De beelden, de techniek, de muziek en het verhaal niet te vergeten. Het is fantastisch.”
Another visitor highlighted the production’s cultural focus: “Heel interessant. Een unieke kijk op Suriname en het slavernijverleden. Belangrijk dat er aandacht is voor dit soort verhalen.”
Summer Schedule and Broadcast Plans
Carrousel runs through the summer months in Almere Poort. For audiences unable to attend the outdoor performances in person, Omroep Flevoland has scheduled a full television broadcast of the production to air during the Christmas holiday period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Carrousel being performed?
According to Vis à Vis, the production is staged in Almere Poort throughout the summer season.
How can I watch the show if I miss the live performances?
Omroep Flevoland announced plans to air a complete television recording of Carrousel during the Christmas holidays.
What are the primary themes of the performance?
The storyline centers on a Surinamese family navigating their future while confronting the legacy of the colonial era and the history of slavery, incorporating personal parallels to director Gerold Guthman’s background.
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