Lân fan taal » De Taalkaravaan

In the summer, Lân fan taal’s Language Caravan will be travelling through Friesland, supporting existing festivals and events with a rich programme of music and other elements centred around languages. The motto of the caravan is: ‘hjir wol ik wei, hjir wol ik altyd bliuwe’ (I want to leave this place, I want to stay here forever). Are you coming along for the ride?

Our world is becoming increasingly multilingual and diverse, and that’s something Lân fan taal is celebrating! However, change can also be challenging. What can be trusted? What is new? As a citizen of the world, you want to free yourself from your surroundings, but your mother tongue permanently connects you to the place from where you come. This sentiment is reflected in the Language Caravan’s performances, films, shows and activities, where the poem ‘Bining’ (Binding) by Baukje Wytsma is a source of inspiration.

The Language Caravan will visit Oranjewoud Festival (1 to 10 June), Oerol Terschelling (15 to 24 June), Simmerdeis Drachten (28 June to 1 July), Tall Ships Races Harlingen (3 to 6 August) and Admiraliteitsdagen Dokkum (6 to 9 September). The activities listed below will be held at almost all these festivals, while other activities can be found on each festival/event website. Lots of activities are free. Festival websites contain more information about exact locations, times and any ticket sales. The Language Caravan’s partners: Afûk and Explore the North.

Main programme:

Tongen (Tongues)
The performance ‘Tongen’ starts in Malawi, where writer/narrator Nyk de Vries visits a church and suddenly hears himself speaking in tongues. He chatters in a strange mishmash of Frisian and other languages, in the distant land of sand paths and wooden electricity poles. Strangely enough, it reminds him of Zwaagwesteinde, the Westereen; his mother’s village. ‘Tongen’ is all about the treacherous power of being homesick. Far from home, you suddenly cling to language and habits that were previously unimportant to you. In the performance, Nyk sings and recites while sampling film and music, He is a master in building up tension from seemingly insignificant forgotten events. An all-enveloping experience.
At Oranjewoud Festival, Oerol, Simmerdeis and Admiralty Days

Solo
The North Netherlands Orquestra is one of the most famous symphony orchestras in the Netherlands. Its musicians come from all over the world, with almost fifteen nationalities and as many languages in its ranks. Normally, a symphony is created between these musicians, but ‘Solo’ does the opposite and focuses on the individual. The idea is to show who actually plays in an orchestra. This time, musicians from Japan, Spain, Belgium, Germany, Portugal, France and England leave their instruments, and each tells their personal story in a short solo. The piece was written by three talented writers, and is directed by theatre makers Skoft & Skiep.
At Oranjewoud Festival, Oerol, Simmerdeis and Admiralty Days

Editorial room
During UITfestival 2017, Frisian literary magazine De Moanne created an editorial room in the Prinsentuin in Leeuwarden. It was so successful, it demands a sequel! The idea is simple: about fifteen old typewriters in a simple, cosy setting. Visitors of all ages are invited to write a text, with the support of experienced writers and poets. We will be publishing the results online!
At Oranjewoud Festival, Oerol, Simmerdeis, Tall Ships and Admiralty Days

Relaxerette (6+)
The Relaxerette, by artist Arjan Kruidhof, is a revolving installation that gives you a whole new perspective. You lie in a hammock and look up at the clouds. Then you put on your headphones, and close your eyes while listening to stories and sounds that will totally absorb you. You can choose the swirling vocabulary of Marc van der Holst, the melancholy of Marieke Lucas Rijneveld, or one of the other stories written by Jamila Faber, Heksenhamer or Pieter van der Sman. Jolle Roelofs has made a special soundscape for the Relaxerette that will take you away from this overcrowded world.
At Oranjewoud Festival, Oerol, Simmerdeis, Tall Ships and Admiralty Days