About the Theatre of Remembrance
Theatre of Remembrance is a yearly theatrical manifestation that takes place on the 27th of January, International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Young people (assisted by professional directors) throughout Europe strengthen the significance of this day through commemoration performances. These performances are inspired by live discussions the youngsters have with eyewitnesses or second generations from the Second World War and by their research of the history of their neighbourhoods, towns or villages. The performances explore history and are, at the same time, a reflection of how that history continues to shape life and society today. The youngsters pass on tangible heritage of the past and, at the same time, reflect on the relevance of this history for today’s and tomorrow’s world. This event is part of a larger project organised by our parent organisation, Theater Na de Dam.
2025 was the 8th edition of Theatre of Remembrance. Previous events have taken place in cities such as Berlin, Brussels, Warsaw, Prague, Copenhagen, Kaunas, Turin, Budapest, Lviv, Goleniów, and Bratislava. You can learn more about previous iterations in the ‘Past Editions’ section.
How It Started
Theatre of Remembrance was created by the Dutch organisation Theater Na de Dam. Every year on May 4th, the Netherlands commemorates the Second World War, with the largest ceremony held at De Dam in Amsterdam. Following this, theatres across the country host performances that give audiences a deeper understanding of this important day.
Theater Na de Dam began in 2010 with seven performances in Amsterdam. By May 2024, more than 140 performances took place across the Netherlands, with both well-known theatre companies and local groups taking part.
Youth Projects
One of the key elements of Theater Na de Dam is its youth projects. On May 4th (and sometimes on the 5th and 6th), young people aged 12-20 perform in small theatre productions across the Netherlands. These projects may be on a small scale, but their impact is profound. In 2023, we created a video to highlight the best practices for these youth projects, helping to inspire future creators.
From Amsterdam to Europe
Due to the great significance of these youth performances, Theater Na de Dam has expanded these activities internationally. Since 2018, young people across Europe have performed for International Holocaust Remembrance Day (January 27). This international initiative, called Theatre of Remembrance, has grown each year. In January 2025, there were 10 projects in 8 countries. Watch the after movie here:
The Theatre of Remembrance is funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
