An overview of commemorations, activities and events in our neighbourhood.
In the month of May, and the run-up to it, we commemorate the victims of the Second World War during the National Remembrance Day on 4 May. On May 5, we celebrate freedom, in memory of the liberation of the Netherlands on May 5, 1945.
As a former Jewish neighbourhood, De Plantage is the place to reflect on what happened during the war. There are therefore, on May 4 and 5 and of course also on other days of the year, many places and activities to commemorate and celebrate appropriately; commemorations, freedom meals, theater performances, lectures and guided tours. Below an overview:
National Remembrance Day Hollandsche Schouwburg – 4 May 2023 True to tradition, there is a commemoration ceremony in the Hollandsche Schouwburg, which will open its doors for one day this year, despite the current renovation. 4th of May; doors open: 7 p.m., start: 7:30 p.m., location: Hollandsche Schouwburg, Plantage Middenlaan 24
Theater after the Dam – 4 May 2023
On the evening of the National Remembrance Day on May 4 at 9 p.m., theater makers and artists throughout the Netherlands are committed to providing this day with extra meaning. Every year, more than a hundred performances are played simultaneously, each of which relates to the Second World War in its own way. Also in De Plantage; including in the foyer of Dutch National Opera & Ballet, in Theater Carré, in ARTIS and in the Resistance Museum.
Theater after the Dam – What we fight for, Theater Carré – May 4, 2023 In the midst of a world that is becoming increasingly cold, technological and chaotic, on the eve of National Remembrance Day, a man tries to make a case for the value of art, critical thinking and daring to doubt. Jacob Derwig stands in the arena of Carré in the role of an actor who is weighed down by an almost inhuman belief in the power of culture. May 4, 9 p.m., Theater Carré.
Theater Na de Dam – A warning from the past – May 4, 2023
After the commemoration ceremony on May 4, Jurriën Rood tells the story of Sjaak Lentz and the consequences of his perfect registration methods for four people involved in the Resistance Museum. Until 29 May 2023, the museum will also display a memorial wall as a temporary monument to the April-May strikes, eighty years ago this year. Theater After the Dam; May 4, 2023, start: 9 p.m., Resistance Museum, Plantage Kerklaan 61; special entrance fee: € 7, free with Museum card.
Commemoration Shadow Quay – 4 May
For everyone who wants to commemorate, neighbours, relatives, friends and passers-by. 200 residents of the first part of the Nieuwe Keizersgracht in Amsterdam were murdered during the Second World War. Since May 2013, these victims have been commemorated with a memorial quay. The Shadow quay also stands for all those other streets in the Netherlands where exactly the same thing happened door-to-door between 1940 and 1945. 7:30 pm — 8:15 pm.
Freedom Meal Jewish Museum – May 5, 2023
The menu consists of kosher freedom meal soup with challah and fish cakes with a mixed salad. The meal is vegetarian and is prepared in the Museum Café. May 5, 12-1 pm, admission: €7.50 (including entrance to the museum), location: Jewish Museum, Nieuwe Amstelstraat 1
Freedom Meal Resistance Museum – May 5, 2023
Between 12:00 and 2:00 pm on May 5, we will have lunch together in the museum and celebrate freedom. Radio & TV maker, journalist and writer Erik Dijkstra joins us for lunch and talks about his TV documentary and the book of the same name: Strikes on life and death, the forgotten April-May strikes of 1943. May 5, 12-2pm, admission €19, city pass green dot €5, location; Resistance Museum, Plantage Kerklaan 61
Freedom meal De Witte Boei – May 5, 2023
Organized by the 4 and 5 May Eastern Islands Committee. The theme is: War, the stories in us. Stories are told about what war means in everyone’s life, by the elderly, children and refugees. May 5, 5:30-8:30 p.m., venue; De Witte Boei, Kleine Wittenburgerstraat 201.
FREEDOM MI-BO Hotel Arena – May 5, 2023
Celebrate freedom with us at Hotel Arena. Freedom is a valuable commodity and a privilege that cannot be taken for granted in the world. On Liberation Day we reflect on our freedom and that is something we would like to celebrate with you. Everyone from young to old is welcome. From 4 pm, with DJ Je Moeder & Bart Sevenhuijsen, delicious Freedom Soup, the Amsterdam Klezmer Band and an OOSTCAST history tour through the Oosterpark. In addition, drinks, cocktails and snacks. May 5, from 4 p.m., location; Hotel Arena, ’s Gravesandestraat 55, admission free.
Talk; the liberation skirt Amsterdam Museum – May 5, 2023
Style anthropologist Carmen Hogg talks about resilience in patchwork. We zoom in on the story behind the liberation skirt and how handicraft technology can bring us together and make us work together. With fashion and popular culture curator Roberto Luis Martins, designer Tess van Zalinge and Mansoureh Shojaee. May 5, 3-4:30 p.m., venue; Amsterdam Museum, Amstel 51, tickets € 7.50
ARTIS – May 2023
During the Second World War, the gates of ARTIS remained open, but not for everyone. In secret, ARTIS accommodated many people on the run, both resistance fighters and Jews. This year, ARTIS will again reflect on the wartime with a guided tour, a listening walk and a special performance by Theater after the Dam. More information on the website. ARTIS in wartime, various activities in April and May 2023.
Open Jewish Homes – Houses of Resistance – April 29 to May 5, 2023
A national and annual program of striking commemorations. Storytellers, visitors and residents share stories in houses where Jews or members of the resistance lived and worked before, during and just after the Second World War. Visit a city near you between April 29 and May 5. Or watch the online talk show May 3 at 8 p.m. Free access. Location: in a city near you.
Freedom lecture/meal CREA – May 5
Crea, Nieuwe Achtergracht 170 12.00 – 14.30 Organized by Crea, Asva and Amnesty International More information
Freedom meal, Museumwerf ’t Kromhout – 5 May
The Freedom Meal provides special encounters at the dining table and is the place for a good conversation about freedom. Soup and dessert will be provided. Bring your own main course and drinks to share. 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Freedom meal Protestant Diaconie – the World House – May 5
During the meal we will toast to freedom, get acquainted, exchange stories and enter into dialogue with each other. 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
More information about venues, concerts and festivals can be found on the website of the 4 en 5 mei committee Amsterdam.