De seizoenen

Het Nationale Theater

De seizoenen

Het Nationale Theater

Where can you find hope in a world that has been turned upside down? De seizoenen is a theatre marathon based on Ali Smith's books Autumn, Winter, Spring and Summer. In her sparkling novels, the Scottish author interweaves major social changes with intimate personal stories. Director Eric de Vroedt brings her poetic language to life in a fully curated theatre experience. During De seizoenen, you experience an entire year in a single day.

In 2016, Ali Smith wants to write four books about climate change. But when she starts, the Brexit referendum turns her country upside down. She writes four sharp, poetic books about current social and political turmoil: fake news, climate change, the refugee crisis, COVID-19, Trump. Amidst all this chaos, she draws hope from intimate stories, art, nature and activism. We follow seventeen quirky characters who meet completely unexpectedly, become friends and change each other's lives forever. De seizoenen is a dizzying theatrical journey full of heart-warming friendships, vivid images of nature, forgotten artists and inspiring resistance.

Theatre marathon with seasonal dishes
Immerse yourself in a seven-hour sensory journey through the seasons. The afternoon begins with Autumn, followed by a creamy parsnip soup with sage and a slice of bread. During the break between Winter and Spring, a light, fresh meal will be served, celebrating the flavours of spring: think new potatoes, sweet garden peas, young sprouts and fresh herbs. After the final part, Summer, a drink and a little surprise await you.

The food (provided by food designers Haagse Hapjes) and three drinks are included in your ticket. The dishes are vegetarian and vegan, free from lactose, eggs, nuts, and shellfish. Except for the bread, which is served separately with the soup, everything is gluten-free. Do you have any other food allergies? Please let us know at least five days before your visit via [email protected], stating your name, the city and date of the performance, and indicating which allergies we need to take into account.

Sun 26 Oct 2025
Theater aan het Vrijthof:
Papyruszaal
15:00 - 22:00 / 2 pauses
Premium seats € 82.50
Band A € 77.50
Band B € 72.50
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Including 3 consumptions and 3 seasonal dishes

Performed in Dutch, with English surtitles

T
"The enjoyment of performing is evident, and the eight outstanding actors from the National Theatre have fully embraced the seventeen characters. This is their play. It is evident."

★★★★★
Trouw

"Keep your eyes peeled; this wonderfully performed theatre marathon is fantastic to watch and flies by in the blink of an eye."

★★★★
de Volkskrant

"And then there is the sublime cast. Actor Hein van der Heijden plays Daniel Glück as a bon vivant who charmingly flits through life, but also appears to be struggling. In addition, Mariana Aparicio, Joris Smit and Antoinette Jelgersma, among others, shine as various characters."

★★★★
NRC

"An impressive marathon performance" (...) "The beauty of this performance lies precisely in the tangle of connections that is human life. Sometimes tangled, sometimes frayed. Sometimes severed, but more often not."

Het Parool

"A theatrical work of art characterised by commitment, acting at the highest level, and crystal-clear direction, all depicted in an expressive design."

Critic's Choice
Theaterkrant

Based on the books Autumn, Winter, Spring and Summer by Ali Smith
Translation Karina van Santen and Martine Vosmaer
Adapted and directed by Eric de Vroedt
Cast Mariana Aparicio, Nur Dabagh, Hein van der Heijden, Antoinette Jelgersma, Esther Scheldwacht, Betty Schuurman, Joris Smit, June Yanez 

Scenography and Lighting design Julian Maiwald
Music Florentijn Boddendijk and Remco de Jong
Costumes Lotte Goos
Video design Lennert Esser
Dramaturgy Willemijn Barelds, Remco van Rijn
co-director Chyramain van Kempen

Photography Anne Claire de Breij, Bart Grietens