23
Mar
In Dutch. Actor Johannes Wirix-Speetjens embodies iconic queer artists like Freddie Mercury and Peter Tchaikovsky, bringing their hidden histories to life.
Classical Queers
About the Show
In Classical Queers, Johannes Wirix-Speetjens steps into the shoes of iconic queer artists like Freddie Mercury, Peter Tchaikovsky, and Dusty Springfield.
For many queer individuals, art was a sanctuary—a place where they could be themselves in a world that didn't always accept them. Johannes brings these hidden queer histories to life, showing how queerness has been reflected in art throughout the centuries. He intertwines the lives and music of these artists with his own search for identity in the 21st century.
The performance sheds new light on music history and shows how it continues to inspire the search for love and identity. Many of these stories are hidden in the music we still admire, listen to, and sing along with today. Classical Queers is based on the award-winning Klara podcast and the book of the same name. The show will tour theaters in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Switzerland in 2026.
Credits
- Text and Performance: Johannes Wirix-Speetjens
- Music: Abel Baeck
- Scenography: Gilles Pollak
- Final Direction: Tom Goossens
- Writing Coach: Lisa Verbelen
- Dramaturgy: Selm Wenselaers
- Vocal Coaches: Judith Okon, Pieter De Praetere
- Costume: Tine Deseure
Stadsschouwburg Utrecht
Lucasbolwerk 24, Utrecht, Netherlands
Queer Places Nearby
Upcoming
Lucasbolwerk 24, Utrecht, Netherlands
Queer Places Nearby
Wijncafé Lefebvre
Bar in Utrecht
Bar in Utrecht
The 5th | Utrecht
Restaurant in Utrecht
Restaurant in Utrecht
U-Bar
Bar in Utrecht
Bar in Utrecht
Upcoming
Here, Queer and Totally Sincere: Queer Animation Shorts
Friday, 20-03-2026, 22:15, Eye Filmmuseum, Amsterdam
Friday, 20-03-2026, 22:15, Eye Filmmuseum, Amsterdam
English Storytime & Crafts with the Queer Families Group
Saturday, 21-03-2026, 11:00, Bibliotheek Benoordenhout, The Hague
Saturday, 21-03-2026, 11:00, Bibliotheek Benoordenhout, The Hague