In conversation with: Johan
Johan Foliant (65) from Knegsel is a music lover who enjoys going to concerts and, through his charity ‘Leef met ALS’, is committed to supporting people with ALS and promoting accessibility, including through inclusive concerts.
What makes you happy in your spare time?
“A good concert.”
What does the theatre mean to you?
“Connection. I spend a lot of time indoors, so it’s a chance to get away from it all for a while and meet new people.”
What makes a night out a success for you?
“A good performance, friendly staff and a nice drink afterwards.”
Do you feel welcome at De Schalm?
“Very welcome indeed. Although there’s still room for improvement – there are far too few wheelchair spaces. If you only have four or six spaces for wheelchairs, you’re not accessible. I had the idea of doing something about this by organising concerts for people in wheelchairs or with other mobility impairments, for people living with ALS and music lovers. The aim is to have fun and thereby improve quality of life. That idea was immediately heard and taken up. It has now become a series of four concerts that will form part of the annual programme. The concerts, for fifty people, take place in the small hall on a level floor. I always have lots of creative ideas, which not everyone is receptive to. But at De Schalm, they were.”
What does it mean to you when a place feels truly inclusive?
“That you’re not just with people in wheelchairs, but that you can go to a concert together with friends who aren’t in wheelchairs.”
Is there a moment at De Schalm that has stayed with you?
“The conga line! Last year we went to see John de Bever and we all did the conga line together. I can’t sing along, but I was able to join in with the conga line from my wheelchair. It was so much fun; we had a good laugh.”
Have you ever met new people at the Schalm?
“Yes, that’s just how I am. I suffer from a chronic good mood, and that’s contagious.”
What does it mean for Veldhoven to have a theatre like the Schalm?
“Culture brings people together. Bringing people together is a key aspect of a theatre. That goes for clubs too. Theatre needs to be very inclusive; the local brass band should be able to perform at the Schalm, as should a top-class artist.”
If you had to put together a top 10 list for the next season, what absolutely mustn’t be left out?
“Desiree Manders – she used to be in 2 Brothers on the 4th Floor. We went to a preview because a friend of ours was playing in the band. What a brilliant show! And Dorona Alberti, who’s also sung with André Rieu and at Gare du Nord. And actually, I’d quite like to see a reggae band too. And a good stand-up comedian.”