Dutch resistance in theatre: an analysis of rebellious works and actions of Dutch theatre makers from the Eighty Year War and World War Two

Abstract

This is a text-based dissertation with a historical methodology. It intends to look at the role theatre makers historically played in the resistance against foreign occupation of the Netherlands. This will be done by laying out two impactful conflicts from Dutch history: The Eighty Year War and World War Two. When the subject of the conflict and of the resistance has been clarified, the dissertation will delve into rebellious works and acts of resistance by theatre makers from both these eras. These will finally be laid side by side to analyse common themes and define the role and influence theatre makers had, and to conclude how, if at all, this work influenced the Dutch identity as defined in these times of strife.