Manu – The Rediscovery of Heaven

Award-winning theater debut about the power and failure of language by word artist and live band.

Writer and performer Manu van Kersbergen explores in The Rediscovery of Heaven what language can do in a world that is increasingly fragmenting. From the perspective of a father trying to explain to his children what is happening around them, he weaves personal stories together with themes such as racism, conflict, and identity. The performance was nominated for a Theo d’Or and the Annie M.G. Schmidt Prize, and was included in the official selection of both the Dutch and Flemish Theater Jury.

On stage unfolds a layered live set in which beats, bass lines, and words support and challenge each other. Niels Broos on keys, Freek Mulder on bass, and Aron Smit on drums form the sound floor on which Manu builds his poetic story: theater and live band as an inseparable whole. After previous performances at North Sea Jazz, the Dutch Theater Festival, and Boulevard, he now brings the performance to the hall for the last season.

‘Word artist Manu delivers a masterful piece. His poetic words are something we can all use well in times of crisis.’ (de Volkskrant)

Manu van Kersbergen voice, Niels Broos keys, Freek Mulder bass, Aron Smit drums