Every September in Amsterdam, the city transforms into a global stage for cutting-edge theatre, dance, and performance art. The Nederlands Theater Festival, running from 4 to 14 September, is your chance to experience the best Dutch and Flemish theatre of the past year, handpicked by juries of critics and artists.

For 11 days, Amsterdam's most iconic theatres, including the historic Stadsschouwburg, Bellevue, DeLaMar, Royal Theater Carré, and more, host over 100 performances spanning drama, dance, cabaret, youth theatre, mime, and experimental works. If you're an artist, seasoned theatre lover, curious traveler, or a digital nomad in Amsterdam, NTF is a must-attend event for anyone interested in contemporary performing arts.

But the excitement doesn't end there. Alongside NTF, the Amsterdam Fringe Festival (4-14 Sept 2025) presents 220+ experimental shows across 22 venues, offering a platform for emerging artists and bold new voices. Together, these festivals create a city-wide celebration of theatre, from polished masterpieces to raw, avant-garde performances. Read the full post about Amsterdam Fringe Festival here.

The history of Dutch theatre is a story of resilience and reinvention. Amsterdam's first wooden theatre opened in 1638 on the Keizersgracht, debuting Joost van den Vondel's Gysbrecht van Aemstel, a classic performed every New Year’s Day for more than 300 years. But in 1772, tragedy struck when the theatre burned down, claiming 19 lives.

Out of the ashes, the Stadsschouwburd (becoming ITA) rose in 1774 on Leidseplein, later rebuilt in 1894 in neo-Renaissance style and modernized in 2009 with a striking steel-and-glass extension. This evolution reflects the Dutch commitment to keeping theatre alive, rooted in tradition yet always ready for the future.

Founded in 1987 as Het Theaterfestival, the Nederlands Theater Festival grew from a Flemish-Dutch collaboration into the Netherlands's premier theatre showcase. In 2006, under Jeffrey Meulman, NTF redefined itself and launched the Amsterdam Fringe Festival, creating a space for both established excellence and experimental voices. Today, under Tobias Kokkelmans, NTF embraces new genres, diverse perspectives, and nationwide stages, attracting over 24.000 visitors annually.

This legacy matters because it shows how Dutch theatre transforms with every generation. Each September, at NTF, the past and future of theatre collide, celebrating resilience, creativity, and the artists who keep the stage alive.

NTF takes over 12 iconic venues, each with its own vibe and must-see shows:

NTF's program is diverse, daring, and inclusive. Here are performances you won't want to miss, featuring women directors, English-language shows, locals and international talent.

It's a raw, beat-driven monologue blending live percussion, theatre, and storytelling. With humor and intensity, it challenges the narratives inscribed on our bodies and confronts the link between trauma, power, and performance.

9 & 10 Sep 2025 - 8:00 PM - The Brakke Grond

She radically reclaims Nabokov's classic "Lolita" from a female perspective. In this bold and poetic performance, Lolita steps out of the male gaze to reclaim her story, her body, and her voice.

6 & 7 Sep 2025 - 8:00 PM - ITA

Created with Brazil's MST movement and European actors, reimagines Sophocles’ tragedy in the burning Amazon rainforest. This powerful political theatre confronts land rights, displacement, and the clash between capitalism and indigenous resistance.

Thu 5 Sep - 8:30 PM - ITA

It's a solo show blending storytelling, mask, and comedy to explore childhood and resilience in Jenin. Using memories and imagination, Shehada rebuilt a symbolic horse torn down in 2023, celebrating hope and resistance.

8, 10 & 11 Sep 2025 - 8:00 PM - Bijlmer Park Theatre

From Haarlen, Toneelschuur Productions and director Koen Verheujden present Jongensuren (Boy's Hours), inspired by the groundbreaking work of Dutch writer Andreas Burnier. With four actresses embodying her and her world, this sharp, humorous performance explores identity, sexuality, and the fight for freedom in postwar society.
Sun 7 & 8 Sep 2025 - 8:30 PM - Theater Bellevue

Is a powerful musical adaptation of James Baldwin's classic, exploring love, desire, and the fear of being oneself. Arbo delves into sexuality, societal pressure, and identity, creating an intimate and moving portrayal of passion, loss, and self discovery.

4 & 5 Sep 2025 - 20:00 - ITA

It is a powerful Afrofuturist solo performance blending music, poetry, and theatre. Diving into her West African roots, she reclaims ancestral narratives, challenges Western perceptions, and envisions a future shaped by memory, identity, and cultural pride.

Fri 6 Sep - 8:30 PM - Theater Bellevue

It's a provocative performance exploring empathy, capitalism, and hidden racial dynamics. Through the striking concept of "liquid empathy”, Hetzel and Cele expose how emotional and natural resources are exploited, questioning the value of identity and trauma in a globalized world.

Sat 25 Jan 2025 - 20:15 - Theater Rotterdam

NTF is more than a stage for performances, it is a cultural hub where audiences, artists, and professionals meet to reflect, exchange, and grow. Through talks, debates, networking, awards, the festival strengthens the Dutch theatre ecosystem and expands its impact far beyond the stage.

Post-show conversations transform spectators into active voices. Directors, actors, and critics join audiences to discuss creative choices, social themes, and theatre's role in society. These exchanges democratize theatre, giving new talent direct exposure and fostering dialogue between generations.

NTF PRO is the industry engine of the festival. In collaboration with the Amsterdam Fringe Festival, it hosts workshops, pitch sessions, and roundtables on topics like funding, accessibility, and digital storytelling. In 2024 over 1000 professionals, including international festival programmers, joined events in Amsterdam and satellite cities, making it a key launchpad for careers and collaborations.

The festival begins with De Staat van het Theater, a keynote and debate tackling urgent cultural and political issues. From funding and diversity to technology and AI, this platform ensures NTF remains at the forefront of critical artistic discourse.

Closing the festival, the Dutch Theatre Gala honors the best of Dutch performances. Awards spotlight outstanding productions, actors, directors, designers, and cabaret artists, while the Fringe Award highlights new talent. Winning here can launch international careers and spark new collaborations.

Through interaction, professional growth, and recognition, NTF builds a bridge between creators and audiences, strengthens the national theatre landscape, and positions Amsterdam as a hub for bold, innovative performances.

• Can I buy tickets online for performances at different theatres?

Yes, except for De Kleine Komedie, where tickets must be purchased separately.

• Can I pay with a Podium Gift Cart?

Absolutely. Most venues accept the Podium Gift Card at the box office.

• Can I use e-tickets on my phone?

Yes, most theaters accept mobile tickets.

• Are the venues wheelchair accessible?

Many are, but it's best to contact the theatre directly to reserve accessible seating.

• Are there English-language performances at NTF 2025?

Yes. Look for "Language No Problem” events and English-friendly shows in the program.

The Nederlands Theater Festival is a once-a-year opportunity to immerse yourself in Amsterdam's vibrant theatre scene. It's for everyone, local cultural vulture, travelers, artists, NTF offers unforgettable performances, discussions, networking opportunities, and memories.

Ready to discover the scene? Download the Outhere app or visit Outhere.guide to explore the full lineup, filter events by your interests, and plan your September in Amsterdam.