Spirits are high on Wednesday evening as the cast prepares for the rehearsal for The New Continent, a theater play about a group of pioneers who set out for Greenland to start a new life. There is applause when the news comes in that the auditoriums of the Hofnar in Valkenswaard and the Parktheater are starting to fill up with audiences. A warming-up and a moment of focus brings the actors back in line so that they can start with a full read-through of the play.

Director Niland gives some final instructions, but he mostly leaves the actors alone during the read-through. For him, this is the beginning of the process of letting go, because as soon as the actors enter the stage, things are out of his hands. “This is always a tense moment, but this is also what rehearsals are for. I gave them confidence and feedback during rehearsals. Now, they have each other for support, and they know what to do. I’ve tried to build this up carefully.”

On stage

The actors feel confident. After months of rehearsal, they can’t wait to “literally put the play on stage,” says third-year student Charlie Marie Rijvers, who plays the part of a happy vlogger. She isn’t nervous yet, but that will come next week, when the date of the premiere approaches. “I don’t fully realize yet that the time has finally come.”

Cursor paid a visit to the Parktheater for a sort sneak peek. Tickets are still available to those who would like to see the play on stage in its full glory. TU/e students and staff members can order tickets for free with the code TUE65.