The power of vulnerability

Marines come up with a theater show about trauma

Reason, personal and musical. In the theater show Vleugel Vrij, two marines come together to draw attention to mental health in the military world – and far beyond. The message: “You are not alone.”

^{Text: captain Saminna van den Bulk | Photos: Smeets kick}

“It was 2009 and I went on a multi-day patrol in Afghanistan. The next vehicle arrives at the same place where we were just standing. In one trip there is an accident and the heavy vehicle is raised like a feather next to a roadside bomb. I grab my medical bag and run towards my colleagues. One of them is missing a leg. He is fighting for his life. That image kept replaying in my head like a bad movie. He pushed me into the abyss. The only option seemed to be: give up, stop. ” Then Marine Sergeant Robin Imthorn leaves chest rig and takes off his helmet. “But maybe I could still do something. Embrace that uncertain side, the pain, the fear. If I hadn’t done that, I wouldn’t be here today.”

Directly connected

This is the impressive start of Vleugel Vrij’s theater show. Imthorn has previously drawn attention to the mental health of soldiers, including 25 hours of speed marches with a 45 kilo pack on their backs. When he meets the piano virtuoso Marine Corporal Nordin Maouli, a special idea arises. Telling the story in the theater, with music in the frame. “I took it with me keyboard to a meeting room in Hilversum,” laughs Nordin. “While Robin was speaking, almost immediately I had a repertoire in my head that resembled his. Sometimes powerful sounds, other times more sensitive pieces of music that ‘ a better answer.” Imthorn made an immediate impact: “When he starts playing, the feeling comes immediately.”

A collaboration was born. A link that begins with a beret. Because of that, Nordin continues: “We both had different roles, but we had to go through the same things to be able to wear this beret. This means that you speak the same language; it’s kind of a direct connection.”

Salvation

This year the Marines will be on stage four times. Imthorn talks about his life, the choice for the green suit, deployment and his subsequent diagnosis of PTSD. Maouli will be accompanied by his own music and sounds by composer Ludovico Einaudi. This does not leave many unmoved, as was evident at the first performance in Theater De Meervaart in Amsterdam last week. “Trauma is like a prison of sorrow and pain,” a former Marine later said. “As a marine you learn to turn off your emotions. Robin breaks that taboo. At the same time, Nordin’s music releases all emotions. You should know that I am just shedding tears. I found the show emotional, caring and liberating.”

Another visitor in the world of Defense does not know. “From the outside, the military world seems very closed to me. Robin’s story felt open and sincere. The music fits perfectly.”

Remove heavy backpack

It is clear that the show is not just for military personnel or people who have a relationship with the Defense world, Imthorn clarifies. “Of course we show that there is a person inside the suit. However, Vleugel Vrij goes further. We want to show the power of vulnerability. Everyone carries a backpack of experiences. Without seeing it, you sometimes feel burdened by the pressure. Sometimes we live behind a mask. “

Take off that backpack and share your feelings with someone else, says Imthorn. “Understand: you are not alone. It’s a small step that will take you a long way to get closer to yourself. On the other hand, I encourage people to look out for each other more. Ask someone: how are you really doing? Together you can go further. “