A Warm Welcome in the Winter Chill
For many in the LGBTQ+ community, the period between Christmas and New Year's can be a mixed bag. It's a time often loaded with expectations, obligatory family gatherings, and a pressure to conform. But what if you could spend those days wrapped in the warmth of community, celebrating the family you've built for yourself? That's the beautiful invitation from Amsterdam's Theater Bellevue with their annual Chosen Family festival, running from December 27th to 30th.
This four-day event is designed as a sanctuary—a place to decompress, connect, and be inspired by stories and artists that reflect our lives. It's a chance to trade the holiday dip for a dose of queer joy, laughter, and genuine connection.
A Stage for Queer Stories
The heart of the festival is a lineup of performances curated to celebrate queer experiences. Forget the usual holiday fare; this program is all about authenticity and artistry from our community.
- Twee Oude Vrouwtjes: A performance by Thomas, Sacha, and Jos that promises tender and gentle scenes of love, offering a soft place to land.
- Brave Space: Chosen Family Edition: An XL edition of the popular queer storytelling night from Joseph Kearney/Backlash Media, where our community's voices take center stage.
- Ik ben Funny: Get ready for a blast of energy from Funny Bergman, whose comedy is guaranteed to make you laugh until you shake.
- Uitgesproken Queer: An evening with boundary-pushing musicians and writers like Steff Geelen and Jasper Albinus, showcasing the vibrant creativity within the queer scene.
Break Bread with Your Community
Connection doesn't just happen in the theater seats. Every evening of the festival, you can pull up a chair at the long communal tables in the Speakeasy (above De Smoeshaan) for a shared meal. For just €15, you can enjoy a delicious and comforting dish—this year, it's a vegetarian Beet Bourguignon, a perfect antidote to the heavy holiday meals.
It's a low-key, friendly way to meet fellow festival-goers, discuss the shows, and simply enjoy being in a space where you belong. Dinner is served from 17:00 to 19:00, and reservations are recommended.
Art That's Accessible: Pay What You Can
Recognizing that December can be a financially tight month, Theater Bellevue has made much of the Chosen Family program accessible through a Pay What You Can model. You can choose the standard ticket price, pay a reduced rate of €9.50 if needed, or opt to pay a little extra to help someone else attend. It’s a system built on trust and community support, ensuring that everyone has a chance to be part of the celebration.
So, whether you're looking for an alternative to traditional plans or a meaningful way to spend the 'in-between' days, Theater Bellevue's Chosen Family festival is the perfect destination. Come raise a glass to the families we choose and the stories that unite us.
For the full schedule and to book tickets, visit the official Theater Bellevue website.
