Play Explores the Impact of Restaurant Critic Johannes van Dam

A new play examining the life and legacy of influential restaurant critic johannes van Dam is set to premiere on April 11 at the Amsterdam Theaterhuis. The production promises to explore van Dam’s profound effect on the culinary scene, and the anxieties his reviews could provoke.

Behind the Scenes: Crafting the Narrative

Theater maker Erris van Ginkel and Parool columnist Roos Schlikker collaborated to bring van Dam’s story to the stage. Their research focused on understanding his motivations and the consequential impact his reviews had on restaurants. Van Ginkel notes, “Fear of the reviewer, the kitchen is in a panic, what is the figure they will get, will we still exist next week or is it nasty?” This quote encapsulates the high stakes restaurants faced when van Dam visited.

Paul Adama Takes on the Leading Role

Actor Paul Adama will portray Johannes van Dam. Immersing himself in the role, Adama studied van Dam’s life and work, a necessary step as he hadn’t previously read his columns. “It is a challenge to do that.It takes a lot of time but I think it will work out well,” Adama says, acknowledging the dedication required to embody the complex character.

A Life already Explored

This play is not the first project to delve into Van Dam’s life. In 2018, a biography by Jeroen Thijssen was presented, highlighting the continued interest in understanding the man behind the reviews.

Conclusion

The upcoming premiere of the play about Johannes van Dam offers a unique opportunity to explore the life and influence of a pivotal figure in the culinary world. With it’s debut on April 11 at the Amsterdam Theaterhuis, audiences can expect an insightful and engaging theatrical experience. Don’t miss the chance to witness this compelling story unfold – get your tickets now!

How do actors training for roles like Johannes van Dam, with demanding personas adn historical context, approach research and embodiment?

Exploring the Life and legacy of Johannes van Dam: An Interview with Stage Director, Astrid Meulen

The new play about the renowned resturant critic Johannes van Dam is generating meaningful buzz. To delve deeper into this theatrical endeavor, we spoke with astrid Meulen, Stage Director, about bringing the story of van Dam to life.

The Inspiration Behind the Play

Archyde: Astrid, thanks for joining us. What initially drew you to Johannes van Dam’s story and made you want to create a play about him?

Astrid Meulen: The sheer power Johannes van Dam wielded! His reviews could make or break a restaurant. The idea of exploring that level of influence, and the anxiety it created, was incredibly compelling. We felt it was a story that really resonated with the cultural landscape of Amsterdam.

Bringing van Dam to Life on Stage

Archyde: Paul adama is playing Johannes van Dam. What qualities do you think he brings to the role?

Astrid Meulen: Paul is a fantastic actor. He’s dedicated to researching van Dam’s life and really understanding the man. We needed someone who could capture both the intellectual rigor and the nuanced humanity of van Dam, and Paul embodies that perfectly. It’s essential he portrays the man behind the sometimes harsh reviews.

The Impact of Restaurant Reviews

Archyde: The play touches on the “fear of the reviewer.” How do you portray that anxiety on stage?

Astrid Meulen: We use a combination of dialog, set design, and sound to create a sense of mounting pressure. Think frantic kitchens, hushed whispers, and characters constantly checking for any signs of van Dam’s arrival. We really want the audience to feel the high stakes involved for these restaurant owners.

More than Just Reviews

Archyde: A biography about van Dam came out in 2018. what new perspectives does your play offer?

Astrid Meulen: The biography provided a solid foundation, but the play gives us the prospect to dramatize the emotional impact of van Dam’s work. We can show, rather than just tell, the human cost of his reviews – both for the restaurants and, perhaps surprisingly, for van Dam himself.

A Thought-Provoking Theatrical Experience

Archyde: what do you hope audiences will take away from seeing this play about Johannes van Dam?

Astrid Meulen: I hope they’ll leave with a greater understanding of the power of words and the duty that comes with wielding such influence. Also, I hope it sparks a conversation about the role of criticism in our society and how it affects both the creator and the recipient. Do you think restaurant critics still hold the same power today in the age of online reviews? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!