Inside Holland Festival 2025: Trajal Harrell, Łukasz Twarkowski, and Gisèle Vienne, Lead a Daring Lineup

Holland Festival 2025 – 11 to 29 June

Since its inception in 1947, the Holland Festival has stood as the Netherlands’ premier international performing arts festival, renowned for its commitment to innovation and artistic excellence. Over the decades, it has evolved into a multidisciplinary platform, embracing theater, dance, music, opera, and contemporary art forms, consistently showcasing groundbreaking performances that challenge and inspire audiences.​

In 2025, the Holland Festival celebrates its 78th anniversary. This year’s edition continues the festival’s tradition of presenting avant-garde and thought-provoking works from around the globe. The program features a diverse array of performances that explore themes of identity, technology, and the human condition, curated to reflect the festival’s enduring spirit of artistic exploration.​

Featured Artists and Performances:

Romeo Castellucci’s “Bérénice”: A radical reinterpretation of Jean Racine’s classic tragedy, this production transforms the 17th-century play into a compelling monologue. Renowned actress Isabelle Huppert delivers a powerful performance that delves into themes of despair, desire, and sacrifice, embodying Castellucci’s signature blend of visual intensity and emotional depth.

Łukasz Twarkowski’s “ROHTKO”: This innovative production delves into the complexities of authenticity and the value of art in the digital age. Set in a Chinese restaurant and incorporating video as a narrative tool, “ROHTKO” examines the tension between originals and copies, challenging perceptions of reality and artistic creation. ​

Gisèle Vienne’s “Extra Life”: French choreographer Gisèle Vienne presents a visually intense performance that navigates themes of memory, identity, and the passage of time. Through a blend of theater and dance, “Extra Life” offers a haunting exploration of human experience and emotional resonance.

Associate Artist: Trajal Harrell

As the associate artist for the 78th edition of the Holland Festival, American choreographer Trajal Harrell brings his distinctive fusion of voguing, postmodern dance, and butoh to Amsterdam. Harrell’s innovative approach to dance, which intertwines elements from various traditions, fashion, music, and visual arts, has earned him international acclaim. His works delve into universal themes such as interconnection, tragedy, tenderness, and vulnerability, resonating deeply with audiences worldwide. ​

Central to Harrell’s contribution this year is “Welcome to Asbestos Hall,” a dynamic, evolving project inspired by Tatsumi Hijikata’s original Asbestos Studio in Tokyo. Located at Likeminds in Amsterdam-Noord, this space serves as a hub for experimentation, development, and artistic encounters. Throughout the festival, Harrell and his dancers will engage in creative processes during the day and present their work to the public in the evenings. These sessions, referred to as “Visits,” offer audiences a unique glimpse into the unfolding of new choreographic material. ​

In addition to “Welcome to Asbestos Hall,” Harrell’s presence at the festival includes performances of his earlier works. At the Stedelijk Museum, he will present “Caen Amour,” a piece inspired by 19th-century hoochie coochie shows, and “Sister or He Buried the Body,” a solo performance influenced by butoh and early modern dance. Furthermore, Harrell will curate a film program at Eye, featuring the documentary “Dance of Darkness,” which explores the butoh dance form. ​

Harrell’s role as associate artist not only showcases his own work but also brings attention to artists who have influenced his practice. He has invited choreographers such as Takao Kawaguchi and DD Dorvillier to present their work during the festival, fostering a rich dialogue between diverse artistic voices. ​

Through these multifaceted contributions, Trajal Harrell’s involvement in the Holland Festival 2025 exemplifies the festival’s commitment to presenting groundbreaking and thought-provoking performances that challenge and inspire audiences. The Holland Festival 2025 promises to be a landmark edition, celebrating its rich legacy while continuing to push the boundaries of contemporary performance.

For more information and to explore the full program, visit the Holland Festival official website.

Photo: EXTRA LIFE – Gisèle Vienne ©Estelle Hanania