With Your Own Eyes (original title: Met Eigen Ogen) makes you experience how one moment in Alkmaar 450 years ago became a turning point in the history of the Netherlands. A history that leads to the world we live in today.
Every year in Alkmaar on October 8, the victory over the Spanish army during the Eighty Years’ War is remembered. To celebrate the milestone of 450 years of victory, a lot of festivities were organized throughout the city. Boven ‘t Maaiveld Foundation asked Beeldjutters to create a substantive experience in the town hall of Alkmaar, centered about this specific moment in history.
Beeldjutters created impact by not only talking about history, but by designing and directing an experience in which the meaning of freedom in today’s society is questioned. The past, present and future were connected in a route through three rooms. History as an endless river that leads to where we are now, how we live together in the world of today.
Not only the creation and direction of the content, but also the technical production and implementation was completely done by Beeldjutters. Visitors were guided through the monumental town hall with video projections, images, light and soundscapes.
The history, but also the urgency of the moment now, were made tangible in a building where decisions about our future were already made 450 years ago.
Many people contributed to this project by sharing their own stories and dreams. For example, Beeldjutters spoke to a group of people who struggle to be accepted or joined in society. Their stories left a deep impression. The recordings of these conversations formed the basis of one of the rooms. In addition, the residents of Alkmaar brainstormed about the world of tomorrow. Their dreams for the future were incorporated into a colourful finale.
The experience was presented by Sinan Can, a journalist and documentary maker who has already told many stories about war and freedom. His story was complemented with the voice of Diede Claesen. The Alkmaar Museum lent a large painting depicting the victory of Alkmaar 450 years ago, as well as archaeological pieces from that time.
CONCEPT, DIRECTION, DESIGN
Beeldjutters:
Vincent Vriens
Julian van Buul
BASED ON AN IDEA BY
Stichting Boven ‘t Maaiveld:
Mirella Doss
Els Schipper
NARRATORS
Sinan Can
Diede Claesen
TEXT
Els Schipper
in collaboration with
Julian van Buul
Vincent Vriens
MUSIC
Joost van Dijk
STORIES ABOUT FREEDOM COLLECTED AND RECORDED BY
Olga Verheijden
Nathalie Kamp
Joost van Dijk
ANIMATIONS WITH HELP FROM
Donald van de Zande
Pieter Reijnen
Tess Martin
Andrea Turel Caccese
Nastja Jaar
Jolein Kop
Dominic van Buul
PRODUCTION AND TECHNICAL IMPLEMENTATION WITH HELP FROM
Sebastiaan Schoonen
Bastiaan Beszelsen
Jolein Kop
Arthur Moret
Joanne Leijten
Tom Heintz
PRODUCED BY
DOSS Event Support:
Mirella Doss
Esmee Bakker
STEDELIJK MUSEUM ALKMAAR
Loet Schledorn
Christi Klinkert
HEADPHONES
Ivo Swaag / Whispr
REGISTRATION EDIT
Vic Raijmakers
PHOTOGRAPHY
Keith Montgomery
Wendy Broomans
SPECIAL THANKS
All the people who shared their personal stories, dreams and movements for this project