Stadsschouwburg (Municipal Theater)

Stadsschouwburg (Municipal Theater) Review

After burning down and being rebuilt several more times, the current Neo-Renaissance facade that dominates Leidseplein, with its lushly Baroque horseshoe interior, was created in 1890. The nation's theater scene was somewhat staid until 1968, when, during a performance of the Tempest, the actors were showered with tomatoes. The nationwide protest, the "tomato campaign," showed people's discontent with the established theater's lack of social engagement. It resulted in subsidies for newer theater groups—many of which now form the old guard who regularly play here. Today, Dutch theater is dynamic, strongly physical and visual, with an often hilariously absurdist sense.

Although the majority of the programming is in Dutch, there's also a constant stream of visiting theater and dance companies. The International Theater & Film Books store downstairs next to the entrance also comes highly recommended by theater lovers. The Uitburo, where you can buy tickets for all cultural events, is also located here; pick up a free copy (in Dutch) of the going-out newspaper Uitkrant.