The Zeeheldentheater in the Mesdagkwartier is a small-scale theatre with a small and a large auditorium. The theatre focuses on music, theatre and comedy and attracts an increasing number of visitors and artists from home and abroad.
Sustainable
The building has been designed with sustainability in mind, featuring LED lighting, double glazing, a green roof, solar panels and heat pumps. The stage hosts a wide variety of performers, from regular series by Muziektheater Briza and TheaterCafé De Mix to international stand-up comedians. The auditorium has 175 seats and is known for its clear, dry acoustics and good lighting.
The Zeeheldentheater also provides space for new initiatives from the neighbourhood, the city and the Haaglanden region. The theatre is run by dancer Yvette Olof and musician and composer Jan Erik Noske. They have been involved with the theatre since it opened in 2002, when it was inaugurated by Mayor Deetman. Their daughter Trijntje gives Essentia lessons and plays with the resident music theatre company Briza.
History of the building
The building that houses the theatre was constructed in 1898 as a double mansion, with a passageway on the ground floor for horses and carriages to access the rear grounds. Between 1960 and 1990, it was home to the Snoeck construction company, with offices, workshops and parking spaces.
In 1990, the current owners purchased the building to create rehearsal spaces for their music and dance group Pandora. As part of the 'Young people building for young people' project, several halls and studios were created, partly with the support of the municipality of The Hague. Later, the large hall was converted into a theatre, with a grandstand made possible by Fonds 1818.
