In And I Am, Esther van der Wel explores the relationship between the Netherlands' most famous Enlightenment writers, Betje Wolff and Aagje Deken. Two close friends who give the illusion that they were more than that. But how can you prove it? And why is it so important? Can we learn something from them, or are they so covered in dust that we should just let them be?
And I Am is about the importance of storytelling, love past and present, salmon, sheep, and what happened on an 18th-century Pink House afternoon.
Esther van der Wel (they/them) graduated in cabaret from the Royal Conservatoire of Antwerp in 2022 but has since found a firm footing back on Dutch soil. They have performed their graduation show Hoogtij(d) in both Dutch and Belgian theaters.
Credits
Text, music, concept, and performance: Esther van der Wel
Lighting design: Lieke Oolders
Portrait photos: David Weel
Scene photos: Hans Schut
Musical assistance 'Meisjes': Jasper Iturrospe and Meike de Roest