There are few places in the city where the stage and scenery blend as seamlessly as at the Forest Theatre. The trees are already there, the light falls for free. And exactly in that spot, a musical about one of the most famous thinkers Amsterdam has ever produced, Baruch de Spinoza, is playing this summer. Not as dry teaching material, but as a story about three siblings who live in the same city and yet choose completely different paths. Freedom, faith, seeking safety or just breaking out. Those questions are as acute in the 17th century as they are today.
Behind the performance are two companies with their own distinct handwriting. Guy Weizman (director) and Roni Haver (choreographer) of Club Guy & Roni are working with NITE, and that combination is no accidental match. Weizman also wrote the song lyrics. Music is by David Dramm, who is also in charge of musical dramaturgy, and by Pink Oculus. Lyrics are by Rik van den Bos, Marieke van Veen and Lev Avitan. Friederike Schubert is responsible for the dramaturgy, Ascon de Nijs for the set, Benji Nijenhuis for the costumes and Maarten van Rossem for the lighting. A team accustomed to making big stories small, and small moments big.
The three main characters are Bento (the historical Spinoza himself), his sister Rebecca and their sister Miriam. Bento is the freethinker who clashes with his community. Rebecca seeks safety in the rules of that community. Miriam longs for something she cannot yet properly name. Three perspectives on the same world, and none of the three is right or wrong. That's what makes it interesting. The nine performers shaping this are Adam Kissequel, Adam Peterson, Bien De Moor, Jésula Toussaint Visser, Joes Brauers, Malou Gorter, Nimuë Walraven, Olaf Ait Tami and Sarah Janneh.
Three siblings, three ways to live in a city that seems more tolerant than it is.
The Bostheater is located in the Amsterdamse Bos, just across the border near Amstelveen. Internationaal Theater Amsterdam is alliance partner of the venue. The performance is in Dutch, with English subtitles. The play runs from June 2 to July 11, 2026, with tryouts on June 2, 3 and 4 and a premiere on June 5. Accessible for ages 12 and up. A performance about a philosopher who asked questions not everyone wanted to hear, played in a place where the answer is literally in the trees.