Maassen’s two shows were sold out within two hours, says theater chairman Mylou Frencken on NPO Radio 1. According to her, at that time it still seemed that all 120 seats could be filled, but shortly afterwards this turned out to be not allowed.
Then the organization, in its own words, tried everything ‘very sweet and nice’, such as planning an extra evening with Maassen. The option to cancel part of the audience was also on the table. But the theater, which only recently opened, doesn’t do that. “We don’t want to immediately disappoint our audience, which we just got.”
The crowds at Formula 1 in Zandvoort were the last straw for the board. “We sat together and said: what are we doing all the time and always very nice to follow all the rules? It’s been nice.” The theater board speaks of a ‘long nose to the rules’.
fine
Although they do not adhere to all corona measures, Frencken says that the theater will do everything to make the performances as safe as possible. “We are neatly checked at the door, you must bring your QR code with you (as a vaccination certificate), or you must demonstrate that you have just been tested.” Anyone who does not want to show the CoronaCheck app is not allowed to enter.
The theater takes any fine for granted. Visitors who don’t feel comfortable ignoring the rules would get their money back.
Director Dian Hoelscher of the Association Free Theater Producers (VVTP) understands the decision of the Haarlem theater to play in front of a full house again next week. “We prefer to go the official way, but if you see what is happening around us, I understand this decision,” said Hoelscher.
The municipality of Haarlem has not been informed of the theater’s decision. A spokesperson for the municipality said: AD know how to contact the theatre.
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