As preparations for our grand spectacle Napoleon are in full swing and we're steadily moving toward the warm, magical moments of Christmas Magic, the behind-the-scenes team is already looking ahead. Because at Historalia, time never stands still.
What many people don't realize is that a new spectacle takes shape long before the first rehearsal ever happens. In fact: at this stage, there's still no cast, no script, and not even a set design yet. Everything starts with one essential element: the story.
A New Chapter in the Making
Ief Dams, production and artistic manager at Historalia, deliberately looks beyond the current productions. While Napoleon and Christmas Magic are taking shape, he and the creative team are already hard at work on the first steps toward a new spectacle.
"It always starts with choosing a moment from history," Ief explains. "We search for a story that resonates, that's visually striking, and that lends itself to the grand immersive experience our audience expects."
Those first ideas don't emerge in isolation: producer Simon de Merode also actively contributes ideas about which historical moment and narrative thread will form the foundation of a new spectacle.
That choice forms the basis for everything that follows. It's the starting point of an intense creative process that largely unfolds behind the scenes.
From Idea to Story
At this early stage, there are no rehearsals or casting yet. But what there is, is a first narrative thread: a direction, a feeling, an idea that slowly takes shape.
From that moment on, the real work begins: research and writing. For this, Ief works closely with resident director Luc Stevens and composer Sam Gevers. Together they dive into the chosen period, searching for the right tone, perspective, and dramatic arc.
"It's a process of exploring and refining," Ief explains. "We look at how we can translate historical elements into a compelling story that moves and surprises the audience."
Music, dramaturgy, and visual possibilities are woven into the creative thinking from the very beginning. Everything grows together organically, long before the audience sees a single thing.
The Story Remains Under Wraps for Now
While the first outlines of the new spectacle are gradually becoming visible within the team, the details remain under the radar for now.
What we can say: we're once again building a story that takes you back in time, in the unique way you've come to know from Historalia.
Always in Motion
This constant interplay between current productions and new ideas is what makes Historalia special. While the audience will soon be immersed in the world of Napoleon and later enjoy Christmas Magicsomething new is already brewing behind the scenes.
Experience it yourself
Experience it yourself at our open-air spectacular Napoleon this summer. Witness an epic historical spectacle from the front row.
Tickets are now available.
