Rehearsals are underway inside the Teekenschool next to the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam for a new youth production titled Expeditie Rijksmuseum. Actor Mohamed Akalay and fellow performers are preparing the play inside a hidden theatre space within the building.
The production weaves together three historical narratives focusing on Rembrandt, Hugo de Groot, and the tragedy of Nova Zembla. The cast takes on multiple roles across the different stories.
Connecting past and present
Museum primary education specialist Marlijn Fleer explained that the production aims to bring historical events into the present day. The goal is to explore what these historical episodes mean today and why they remain relevant for young audiences.
Akalay previously toured schools performing for teenagers in the production Hassan en Moos with theatre company De Toneelmakerij. He noted that theatre serves as a way to connect with youth and potentially shape how they view the world.
A late path to the stage
Akalay did not begin acting until his twenties, despite growing up with an acrobat father who performed in the circus and won awards. His parents were wary of the instability of an artistic career and encouraged him to pursue manual work instead.
Fleer praised Akalay’s rapport with students during educational projects, pointing to the energy he brings to performing for school groups.
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