HAPPENING 19–20 September 2024 | David Wilson's cabaret returns to Rotterdam with a unique mix of art, music, and film. The after-party for Playgrounds in Motion promises a thought-provoking and unconventional experience.

David Wilson brings unique cabaret show to Rotterdam

The internationally renowned artist and director David Wilson will be presenting his new show, David Wilson’s Cabaret, as part of the afterparty for the Playgrounds in Motion festival in Rotterdam. Taking place on 19 and 20 September at the Maassilo, Wilson’s show combines elements of art, music, and film, offering a unique cabaret performance that pushes the boundaries of the conventional.

Wilson, known for his radical and subversive work, specialises in queer-themed performances and productions that challenge societal norms. His most notable works include the short film Deep Clean, a provocative dance video that has sparked conversation and acclaim. Wilson's creations are often described as cinematic, playful, and unapologetically bold.

A diverse career in music and visual arts

David Wilson has been a prominent figure in the world of music videos and visual storytelling since 2010. He is the creative force behind several celebrated music videos, including the animation for Arctic Monkeys' “Do I Wanna Know?” and the emotionally charged “Titanium” by David Guetta and Sia. His work for Keaton Henson's “You Don't Know How Lucky You Are” showcased actress Sophie Thompson delivering an intense, four-minute performance in a Victorian costume in the middle of a field.

In his most recent project, Wilson directed a music video for R&B artist Mabel titled “Look at My Body Pt.II,” featuring Shygirl. The video blends fast-paced live-action with surreal visual elements to explore how bodies are represented in the media.

David Wilson brings cabaret to Rotterdam for Playgrounds in Motion

Awards and ongoing collaborations

Wilson has received recognition for his creative achievements, having been named 'Best Director' at the MTV Awards UK and earning Grammy nominations, as well as winning both Cannes Gold and Eurobest Gold. In addition to his directing work, he has served as an art director for major brands like Nike, Apple, IKEA, Spotify, and LEGO, and continues to collaborate with notable musicians including Arctic Monkeys, Arcade Fire, Tame Impala, Lady Gaga, and Christine and the Queens.

Playgrounds in Motion festival at Maassilo

The Playgrounds in Motion festival, held on 19 and 20 September in Rotterdam, will feature Wilson’s cabaret as its main afterparty event. The festival itself is an international showcase of post-digital storytelling and genre-defying media projects presented by contemporary designers and artists. Each edition of the festival, including the Rotterdam event, focuses on different themes and aims to push the boundaries of digital art, animation, film, and gaming.

This year’s edition will transform traditional stage talks into sensory performances that aim to captivate and surprise the audience. The festival promises a unique experience for visitors who are eager to explore the latest trends in digital and multimedia art.

Location and directions

Maassilo, Rotterdam

The event will be held at Maassilo, a former grain silo turned cultural venue located in the vibrant Maashaven area of Rotterdam. The venue is easily accessible by public transport, including metro and tram lines, and is a short walk from the Maashaven metro station. The Maashaven district is known for its mix of industrial architecture and modern cultural spaces, offering a unique backdrop for the festival.

HAPPENING 14–15 September | Join the celebration of living heritage at the annual Open Monuments Day (Open Monumentendag) in Rotterdam. Discover monuments, traditions, and artisan skills that define the city's legacy.

The annual Open Monument Day (Open Monumentendag), the largest cultural event in the Netherlands, is set to return on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 September. Thousands of monuments across the country will open their doors for free, providing an opportunity to visit sites that are not usually accessible to the public. The event will feature nearly 1,000 monuments in Zuid-Holland alone, including several in Rotterdam.

This year marks the 38th edition of Open Monument Day, with a special focus on the theme 'Routes, Networks, and Connections' ('Routes, netwerken en verbindingen'). The theme will be explored through various exhibitions, guided tours, cycling routes, walks, and music performances at different heritage sites.

Highlights in Rotterdam

Stadswerf Koningspoort
At the Stadswerf Koningspoort, visitors can delve into Rotterdam's rich maritime history. The shipyard will showcase the historic tjalk Krimpenerwaard (1891), which will be partially open for viewing. Guided tours will provide insights into various aspects of the shipyard. On Saturday, the area will come alive as freerunners from Rotterdam Street Culture Week transform the Oude Haven and the historic shipyard into a dynamic stage with acrobatic performances.

Fenixloods II FENIX
Visitors will also have the opportunity to tour the construction site of FENIX during Open Monument Day. This historic harbour warehouse, dating back to 1923, is being transformed into a museum that will tell migration stories through an international art collection.

Other notable sites in Zuid-Holland

Paleis Kneuterdijk – The Hague
On Saturday, Paleis Kneuterdijk in The Hague will welcome visitors. Currently used by the Council of State, this palace was once the city palace of King William II and Queen Anna Pavlovna. The site includes the grand ballroom, the Gothic Hall, and a French garden, offering a glimpse into the royal past.

Historic tugboat harbour and Historic Trekvaart Day – Leiden
In Leiden, the historic tugboat harbour will feature several iconic tugboats such as De Oliebron (1958) and De Alba (1911). The city will also host the Historic Trekvaart Day on Sunday afternoon, further enlivening the event with various activities.

Molenviergang Aarlanderveen
A unique experience awaits at the Molenviergang in Aarlanderveen, the world's only functioning mill quartet. The site uses wind power to pump excess water from the deep polder into the Oude Rijn under the supervision of skilled millers.

Elfdorpentocht – Kaag en Braassem
The Elfdorpentocht offers a cycling route through eleven village centres in Kaag and Braassem, allowing participants to explore the region's iconic monuments. The Molennacht, or Mill Night, will be celebrated on Saturday evening.

Historic railway stations
The Dutch railway company NS is participating as a knowledge and communication partner this year. Nearly 90 monumental railway stations across the country, including Station Den Haag HS, will feature special activities. Visitors to Station Den Haag HS can explore the Royal Waiting Room (reservations required).

Monuments for sale – Vlaardingen
For those interested in unique properties, there will be an open house day for several private homes that are also listed as monuments. This includes an exclusive opportunity to view an apartment in a national monument at the Oude Haven in Vlaardingen.

Additional event details

OMD app
To facilitate easy access to all the monuments and activities, a dedicated Open Monument Day app (OMDapp) has been launched. The app allows users to search for monuments by name, city, or province, and provides a list or map view. It also offers navigation options using Google Maps and allows users to create personalised routes. The app is available for free on Google Play and the Apple App Store.

National opening ceremony
The national opening of Open Monument Day will be held on Friday evening, 13 September, at the Dudok Town Hall in Hilversum. The event will include a light art route featuring nine monuments and musical performances. The opening ceremony will be led by Janny van der Heijden, ambassador of Open Monument Day, with music by trumpeter André Heuvelman.

OMD photography competition
A photography competition will be held during Open Monument Day. William Rutten, a renowned photographer, will judge the entries alongside representatives from various heritage organisations. Prizes include a Kamera Express gift card worth €400 and other rewards. More information can be found at openmonumentendag.nl/omdfotowedstrijd/.

For a more complete list, have a look at the official Open Monuments Day website for Rotterdam.

Baroeg Open Air lineup 2024

Location: Zuiderpark Rotterdam

HAPPENING 8–10 November 2024 | The iconic ballet, Swan Lake, is set to be showcased in IMAX format for the first time in the Netherlands, including a special screening at Pathé Schouwburgplein in Rotterdam.

Swan Lake to debut in IMAX at Pathé Schouwburgplein

An exclusive collaboration between Pathé and IMAX will bring the famous ballet, Swan Lake, performed by the Paris Opera Ballet, to the big screen in a new format. This marks the first time the ballet has been filmed using IMAX cameras, promising a unique visual and auditory experience for audiences. The production, handled by Pathé Live, is set to deliver a fresh perspective on Tchaikovsky's masterpiece, designed specifically for the immersive capabilities of IMAX theatres.

Limited screenings across the Netherlands

The ballet, with a duration of 145 minutes, will be shown exclusively at six Pathé IMAX theatres across the country, including Pathé Schouwburgplein in Rotterdam. Screenings are scheduled for the weekend from Friday, 8 November, to Sunday, 10 November 2024. Other participating locations include Pathé Arena in Amsterdam, Pathé Arnhem, Pathé Spuimarkt in The Hague, Pathé Eindhoven, and Pathé Tilburg Centrum. Tickets for the event will be available for purchase starting Friday, 30 August 2024.

Pathé's vision for an exceptional ballet experience

Doron Kurz, Commercial Director of Pathé, expressed excitement about the collaboration, stating: "We are proud to partner with IMAX and Pathé Live to present Swan Lake in a way never seen before. The use of IMAX cameras brings every movement, every emotion, and every note of Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece to life with an intensity that can only be experienced in IMAX."

How to reach Pathé Schouwburgplein

Pathé Schouwburgplein, located in the heart of Rotterdam, is easily accessible by public transport, including trams and metro lines stopping at Rotterdam Central Station. The cinema is a short walk from the station, situated near prominent city landmarks such as the Rotterdamse Schouwburg and De Doelen concert hall. For those driving, parking is available nearby at the Schouwburgplein parking garage.