News

Venlo - De Maaspoort recently said goodbye to programmer Maarten van Erp. Thanks to his efforts, the programme at De Maaspoort has become even more diverse. With more international (pop) artists, more connection to current events and more own productions with partners in the city and region. Wieke Vrijhoef, a theatre animal in heart and soul, succeeds Maarten van Erp. With her enthusiasm, creativity and drive, she continues where Maarten left off. Looking for even more connection, a larger and more diverse audience. In short: being meaningful for the region.

Wieke Vrijhoef studied Art, Culture & Media at the University of Groningen and then obtained her master's degree in Arts Policy and Management at Utrecht University. Until 2020, Wieke worked for theatre De Weijer in Boxmeer. "I developed myself broadly there and really got to know all facets of running a theatre. Then I started working as director of Stadstheater de Fransche School in Culemborg. Another beloved small theatre in the Netherlands. With over eighty volunteers, despite corona, we have really done some great things there. In the coming months, I will finish my work at the Fransche School and hand it over properly. In addition, I am very happy that I can already start working at De Maaspoort."

"As programmer of the small hall, I have seen more than 500 theatre performances in recent years. Theatre touches in so many ways. It makes you laugh, brings emotion, gives new insight. So wonderful to be able to play a role in that, in causing people to move. And a large auditorium offers more possibilities, so I am looking forward to that! My passion for this profession lies first and foremost in the theatre programme, but also in seeing the opportunities of a theatre as a place, as a stage for its environment. So I also greatly look forward to working with the city and further exploiting that potential. "