With the expansion of the art form 'language', De Betovering continues to stimulate and challenge children

Fans of De Betovering have known for years that theatre, music, visual arts, dance, and film are a regular feature of the program. During the upcoming autumn break, the art form 'language' has been added to the festival. This is a deliberate choice to stimulate young people and is also important for the city now that the literary children's festival Boekids has left The Hague. The festival agenda features performances by children's book authors, spoken word performances, storytelling, and creative poetry workshops. The entire festival program is online starting today. 

Director Miriam Duiker of De Betovering explains why the festival made this choice: “Language helps children think, learn, and connect. They learn to express themselves better and understand the world around them. Just like other art forms, literature stimulates imagination and fantasy. And that is precisely what De Betovering strives for.” 

COOPERATION

For the new program line, De Betovering sought new partners from The Hague. “For instance, we entered into discussions with Qissa. Our organizations share the mission of providing a platform for a diverse array of creators and their stories. With this program, we aim to encourage the sharing of stories. We are also collaborating again this year with fellow festival Writers Unlimited. Author Nancy Bosmans will be reading from * Het meisje met dezaadjes in het haar* at Vrouwenbuurtlab in Laak,” says Suzanne Prosman, festival programmer.

Huis van Gedichten is hosting several poetry workshops at a new festival location, GR8. The Dutch Caribbean Book Club asked Ida Does and Milouska Meulens to read aloud at De Vaillant. And, of course, Huis van het Boek, the libraries, and the The Hague Hip Hop Center are participating again.

CHILDREN'S BOOKS Children's books are a great source of inspiration in youth theatre, and the festival week is a wonderful addition to Children's Book Week. This year, during De Betovering, performances based on the children's books * The Little Prince* ,  *The Knight Without a Bottom* , *Just the Way You Are *, *  I'll Stay (If It's Allowed) *, * Princess Arabella, the Musical* , and *Little Bat* will be presented . PROGRAM IS NOW ONLINE De Betovering can once again be found throughout the city during the autumn break, with more than 400 activities for children aged 0-12. Starting today, you can discover all the performances, workshops, and other activities on offer at www.debetovering.nl