04 May

20:30

Plein Theater

Sajetplein 39, Amsterdam

A theater performance by Lars Brinkman exploring the complex and often overlooked history of homosexuality in the Netherlands during World War II, questioning victimhood and the relationship between fascism and male bonding.

Mon, 4 May 2026 20:30

Plein Theater, Amsterdam

Tue, 5 May 2026 20:30

Plein Theater, Amsterdam

Männerbund

More info & tickets

Männerbund

The Homomonument, Amsterdam. Three pink triangles in granite, located on the Westermarkt, where every year on May 4th the persecution of homosexuals worldwide is commemorated. What few people know is that during the Second World War, there was a significant decrease in the persecution of homosexuals in the Netherlands. In fact, the gay scene even seemed to flourish during the occupation.

Triggered by these findings, actor and theater maker Lars Brinkman tries to shed new light on the history we all think we know. Is victimhood addictive? Is there a connection between homosexuality and fascism? What do the close male bond, the attraction of the uniform, and the deification of the male body within the SS army have to do with each other?

In Männerbund, Lars, who is gay himself, wonders why we let ourselves be guided by discomfort and shame in conversations about matters that are simply not unambiguous. How can we search for an honest form of emancipation? On May 4, 2019, Männerbund by Lars Brinkman premiered during Theater Na de Dam. The performance has been reprised several times since, including in 2026.

Concept, performance: Lars Brinkman | Coach: Martijn de Rijk | Technician: Robin van den Berg | With thanks to: Collectie Jan Carel Warffemius, Anna Tijsseling, Piet Boogert, Harry Oosterhuis | Production: Theater Na de Dam Producties

Lars Brinkman

Lars Brinkman (Amsterdam, 1993, he/him) is an actor, writer, and theater maker with a great love for queer-oriented stories. On one hand, he feels a great need to tell and perform queer stories; on the other, he is also concerned with how to transcend his queerness. He fights for softness, is allergic to macho behavior, and tries to look at the world around him with a loving yet critical eye.

In the Media

"Disarming in its simplicity, moving in its historical dimensions (...) The importance of Brinkman's story is too great to remain a one-off performance." - Theaterkrant

"A monologue with guts." - Volkskrant

"A quirky monologue about the horror of war, the utility of remembrance, and the attraction of muscular men in uniform." - Volkskrant

"Brinkman is a performer who combines charm with guts, as tough as he is seductive, a bit coquettish at times, but always sincere." - Volkskrant

Theater Na de Dam

Theater Na de Dam is a theater event on May 4th. Since 2010, theater makers and artists throughout the Netherlands have committed themselves on the evening of the National Remembrance Day on May 4th to give this day extra meaning. This year, over 150 performances will play simultaneously at 21:00, each relating in its own way to the Second World War. Every year, Theater Na de Dam approaches theater makers with the request to create a new performance especially for May 4th that offers a contemporary perspective on the Second World War and the world of today.