De Ambassadeur

Raw materials and world politics

Raw materials form the new battleground in world politics. From rare earth metals in Ukraine to Greenland, the Congo, and the ocean floor: redistribution is taking place all over the world. This is happening in the name of security, progress, and sustainability. Director Johan Simons translates this topical issue to the stage with a new adaptation of De Ambassadeur (The Ambassador). This absurdist play by Sławomir Mrożek is about a diplomat waiting for instructions from a country that may no longer exist. The production features actors Délano van den Berg and Jordy Vogelzang from Toneelgroep Altstadt.

Identity and satire

What do you still represent when everything around you disappears? In sharp and witty dialogues, diplomatic protocol remains intact. Forms of politeness, procedures, and a gift that may only be officially accepted persist. This, even though the basis of that protocol has completely vanished. The play is a satire, a political analysis, and an existential tragedy all at once. It is an absurd comedy about people who want to improve the world but forget along the way for whom they are doing it. You won't get ready-made answers, but you will get a question that makes you think: to which ideas do you remain faithful yourself?