23 September 2020
Theaterfestival Boulevard 's-Hertogenbosch receives the Theatre Critics Award 2020. Dutch theatre critics honor the festival for its consistently high quality and this year’s inspiring alternative corona-edition. This marks the very first time that a festival receives this award.
'Under the leadership of Viktorien van Hulst Theaterfestival Boulevard has grown from a festival with regional roots to one of national importance. Every year Boulevard finds a smart balance between impactful entertainment and inspiring innovation. And it does so with a good eye for inclusivity. Even in these times of corona the organization managed to put together an inspiring alternative program. Additionally, Van Hulst deserves credit for her efforts to strengthen the position of the festivals within the Dutch field of performing arts.'
- The Society of Dutch Theatre Critics.Every year members of The Society of Dutch Theatre Critics (Kring van Nederlandse Theatercritici) selects a winner for their ‘Prijs van de Kritiek’ (Theatre Critics Award). This can either be a person, organization or an initiatieve that has contributed positively to the field of theater, music theater, dance, mime and/or comedy. The prize, that was first awarded in 1967, is a statuette made by theater designer and visual artist Michiel Johannes Jansen. Previous recipients of the award are, among others: Ivo van Hove, Krisztina de Châtel and Johan Simons. Only twice before did the award find its way to the province of North-Brabant: Theater group Globe (1981) and comedian Theo Maassen (2006).
'Festival, makers and audiences look back upon a special summer in which we realized a large number of live encounters between performing artists and the city. The fact that this was seen and recognized by the Society of Dutch Theatre Critics, emphasizes the importance of the role that art can and must play nowadays. It is an absolute honor to receive the award this year. I am proud of our Boulevard team that for years has been working on a festival in which we bring the most exciting performing arts and a broad audience together.'
- Viktorien van Hulst, director.
