Marjon Ouwens-Reus connects with cultural power
Using culture to make the city of Eindhoven a little more fun and give well-being a positive impulse has past event part of Parktheater's mission for years. Themes such as climate change, mental health and inclusiveness are not only in the news every day, but also play a major role in many people's lives. "We invite the city to come up with ideas and activities so that together we can harness the power of culture to address these social issues and provide connection," said Social Impact programmer Marjon Ouwens-Reus.
To create an agenda focused on the well-being of people and the planet, the United Nations (UN) established seventeen sustainable development goals in 2015, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In Brainport, these goals are part of the Agenda for Sustainable Development. Parktheater embraced ten of these goals to contribute with the power of theater and its networks. Marjon: "We looked with our team at what we are good at, what we find intrinsically important and where we can and want to make a difference. There is plenty of national theater offering that connects to the SDGs, but we also create new productions together with Eindhoven residents." The activities related to these goals have wide interest in the city and the collaboration is bearing af.
In line with this ambition, Parktheater, as part of Parktheater Verbindt, strives to make theater accessible to everyone and to make culture an inspiring, learning, connecting and comforting force for society. Three projects that have emerged from this endeavor are Music Buddies, Trotse Kameraden and Playing for Success.
MusicMates
For Music Buddies, the Parktheater Theater works together with Club Goud, Vitalis, Wooninc and Summa. Students from the Social Work program engage in conversation with elderly people who live in a residential care center or assisted living facility. The student and elder meet ten times and talk to each other about music in the broadest sense of the word. From what you listen to now, to what instrument you used to play, to what music was danced to. After ten meetings, the Music Buddies take the play at the Kameleon for a festive finale with performances, presentations and great stories. What means extra sociability for the seniors, turns out to be a low-threshold way for the youngsters to find af if working in elder care is something for them. The project is such a great success that a year later even more seniors and students participate and a second line is started with Lunet, to make this also possible for people with disabilities.
Trotse Kameraden
In Trotse Kameraden, vital and less vital elderly people create four short theatrical performances under the guidance of professional directors. Some participants are stars from the past who want to shine on theatre one more time, others are making theater for the first time. During the performance, the participants share their life stories, experiences and wise lessons with the audience. This project is a collaboration between the Parktheater and Vitalis, with the cooperation of CKE and Carte Blanche. "There are three drama groups with residents from houses of Vitalis and one group with elderly people living independently," said CKE. The most vital elderly come to the Parktheater on Friday afternoons to rehearse. "It's important for elderly people who are still able to do so to go out as much as possible. For many, rehearsal is the outing of the week." Trotse Kameraden is of great value to the well-being of the elderly, according to Marjon. "They have a lot of fun while rehearsing, still develop unprecedented talent at a late age and ultimately show it proudly on theatre." The performance can be seen on June 15, 2025 at 3 p.m. in the Hertog Jan Zaal.
Pictured is Marjon at the exhibition, which features the work of fashion artist Agnes van Dijk and photographer Marie van der Heijden. Agnes transforms materials such as clamshells into art, while Marie captures the wisdom of older women. The exhibition could be visited daily during the theater's opening hours.
Playing for Success
The originally British Playing for Success was brought to Eindhoven in 2009 by SKPO, SALTO, Lumens and PSV. In 2019, Parktheater was introduced to this program that supports children and challenged Playing for Success Eindhoven to also shape this learning environment together with the power of theater. "Every child is different and develops in a way that suits him or her. During the corona pandemic, the Parktheater was added as the first Dutch 'Wow location' within the arts."
Through theater interventions, children work on a positive self-image and more self-confidence. "Over a year ago, the first groups of young people came to try it out. The response was incredibly enthusiastic. You also noticed that a different type of kid comes into the picture with different needs than the kids who end up at PSV. It is so cool to check how children come in for the first time and after a ten-week program are beaming on theatre as if it is the most normal thing in the world. Every child is fully empowered." Through Playing for Success, the Parktheater and PSV help some 1,000 children on an annual basis. "We are incredibly proud of that. To meet the high demand, we now also run class projects and are looking at how we can expand continue to offer even more children this relevant program. For the latter, we need support and therefore we are in full discussion with local partners and funds."
Close to the Parktheater
Parktheater opens its doors wide for everyone, for meeting, curiosity and connection. How do we do that? Our inspired employees tell you. Read the stories about social commitment, supporting young talent, backstage at Toneeltechniek and the future vision of director Giel Pastoor!
