In conversation with: Remco en Isabelle
“We don’t tend to think of the theatre straight away”
Remco Broeren (43) and Isabelle van der Kraan (33), who live together. Remco has a 15-year-old daughter and a 13-year-old son. Remco owns a construction company and Isabelle runs a hair salon, both in Veldhoven. They are pictured together in the artwork by Studio Giftig that graces our cover.
What sort of theatre-goers are you?
Isabelle: “We don’t go to the theatre very often. I think I go more often than you do.” Remco: “It doesn’t really spring to mind. When I do go, I like to see cabaret. Musicals or plays aren’t really my thing.” Isabelle: “My sister’s an actress and singer, so I always go to see her performances.”
When and with whom do you most enjoy visiting the Schalm?
Remco: “I enjoy going to cabaret with friends.” Isabelle: “And I usually go to a musical or dance performance with my family. We don’t really think of it as a date. We’re more likely to pop next door to the cinema.”
Is there a moment at the Schalm that has stuck in your minds?
Remco: “Isabelle’s sister was a lady-in-waiting during the last carnival season. How special is that! And I can still remember an evening when I went to see Jandino. I actually found it a really awkward evening because I kept thinking: please don’t look at me and don’t bring me up on stage. Haha, that’s not my thing.” Isabelle: “I used to come to the Schalm more often and I’d regularly be on stage myself for dance performances. As a little girl, that was obviously really nerve-wracking, but also really cool.”
What does it mean for Veldhoven to have a theatre like the Schalm?
Isabelle: “I do think the Schalm brings people together, because the theatre brings so many people together.” Remco: “The times we come here are often linked to a particular connection – networking events, for example. And it’s also good for local clubs; they have a place to perform. It’s just part of the fabric of the community. There’s a relaxed atmosphere at the Schalm; it’s accessible, without barriers or any fuss.”
Who would you recommend the Schalm to?
Isabelle: “To everyone, really, but especially to people who’ve recently moved here and want to get to know Veldhoven. I’d say go and have a look.”
Which shows are not to be missed in the coming theatre season?
Remco: “Cabaret – Daniël Arends is definitely my favourite at the moment, so he’s on the list. Or Ronald Goedemondt. And if there were a really high-quality Queen, Bee Gees or Beach Boys cover band coming to town, I’d enjoy that too. Something educational yet humorous – for example, about raising teenagers, like Kluun’s *Help, I’ve Got a Teenager!* – would also be of interest to me.” Isabelle: “Yes, cabaret indeed, and dance shows.”