In conversation with: Sjeel

Sjeel Lathouwers (30) from Veldhoven lives with Arjan; he is a social media marketer at Makita, a dance teacher at Dédé, and is active in various local organisations, including as chair of the Stichting Organisatie Carnaval (SOK).

What sort of theatre-goer are you?
“I love that you see such a wide variety of things at the theatre. In Veldhoven, it’s a bit of a close-knit community. You come across lots of familiar faces.”

Can you still remember your first theatre experience?
“I think that was in 2003 at the Schalm. I was 8 at the time and was on stage with Dédé. Back then, there weren’t that many children’s shows. I think it’s great that they have them now. If we did go anywhere, for example to see K3, it was further afield and not necessarily at the Schalm.”

What makes a night out a success for you?
“With cabaret, it’s a success if I can still recount the jokes afterwards. At Steekske Los, it’s a success if everyone’s had a great laugh, we’ve done the longest conga line and we’re the last to leave the auditorium. And a dance performance is a success when, after getting changed, the pupils walk into the foyer with the biggest smiles on their faces, where their parents are waiting proudly. And when grandads and grandmas have tears of pride running down their cheeks. That’s what I do it for.”

Is the theatre also a date night?
“Rarely, because one of us is always busy backstage. Arjan is involved with the VMK, Sub Umbra and Die Original Grüne Felder Musikanten. Once, there were spare tickets for Theo Maassen and we went together.”

Is there a moment at De Schalm that has stayed with you?
“The arrival of Sinterklaas and the start of the carnival season always fall on the same day. In the morning, I practise with my pupils in the foyer whilst the Pieten are walking about, and in the meantime, the SOK committee members are decorating the hall for the carnival party taking place that evening. That’s always a funny moment of realisation: oh yes, St Nicholas is starting now, but actually, so is carnival.”

What does De Schalm mean to you? 
“Secretly, a great deal. From competitions to performances to voluntary work — it’s where so many things come together for me. It’s a sort of second home.”

What does having De Schalm mean for a town like Veldhoven?
“It’s an asset, precisely because it offers so many possibilities. Apart from a performance, you can also host a party or hold lectures there.”

Who would you recommend the Schalm to?
“To all parents who want to see their child shine on stage. I don’t have children of my own, but those pupils do feel a bit like my own children. If I’m proud of them, then their parents are twenty times prouder.”

What would you say to people who’ve never been to the Schalm?
“Buy a ticket straight away.”