De Voeders van Den Bosch

Boulevard wholeheartedly connects with the city and its inhabitants, particularly now. We asked ten makers, whom we’ve trusted for years, to create something especially for ‘Powered by Boulevard’. These projects are made for and sometimes with specific groups from the city. Their progress can soon be followed online by everyone.

When Minou Bosua wanted to register the birth of her son in 2014, she caused quite some confusion. Location: department of civil affairs in Den Bosch. It was only after two hours and forty-three minutes that the registration of the little baby was finally completed. This was caused by a syntax error: the system did not know how to handle two mothers.

In her previous production Moeder mag niet dood and in Niet de vaders* theater maker Minou Bosua [1969] researched the social cornerstones that once seemed rock solid. In her latest conversation performance De Voeders van Den Bosch old concrete is crumbling as well. In 2020 a family cannot consist of multiple fathers or mothers, whether or not they are the biological parents. “I call them the fothers”, says Minou.

Muddling along and shining brightly, hoping, trying and putting things in perspective
For De Voeders van Den Bosch she invites fothers: people who cannot or do not want to comply with the classical definition of a household. An expanding group, Minou observes. She summarizes: single parent families, foster parents, parents from the LGBTQIA+ community, empty nest parents and parents who open their doors to involve others in the care and upbringing of their child[ren]. But what’s that like, such a different structure or approach? How do family, friends, colleagues, school and friends [and their parents] react to that? And what does it invoke in yourself when you allow others into your parenting? Relief? Irritation? Freedom? Jealousy?

In the theatrical encounter De Voeders van Den Bosch stories about muddling along, shining brightly, hoping, trying and putting things in perspective will resound. Of course Minou, who was part of the comedy duo De Bloeiende Maagden for years, guarantees a balance between light-hearted and more serious input. Outside the comfort of the nest the audience can listen along.

Join the conversation?
Are you part of a non-traditional family and do you want to join the conversation? Register now!

Send an email and a short motivation to babette@festivalboulevard.nl. Tell us what your family structure looks like, why you’d want to participate and on what night(s) you’d be available. Possible dates are: 10, 11, 13 and 14 August from 7:30 – 9 pm.

A number of people will soon receive an invitation to join the conversation with Minou in this theatrical encounter. Needless to say, they don’t need to make a reservation!

Make a reservation
Do you want to attend these remarkable conversations?

Get your tickets here for one of the following dates: 10, 11, 13, and 14 August from 7:30 – 9 pm.

On 15 and 16 August from 7:30 – 9 pm Minou shares the results of these 4 nights and you are more than welcome to attend these nights as well. You can also reserve a free ticket for this event!

* Saturday 29 August is the premiere of Niet de vaders at the Verkadefabriek. Minou Bosua made this production in collaboration with Eelco Smits and the Homomannenkoor (Gay men choir).