Two guest house owners are surprised by the return of an old friend and employee, Tara, who they haven’t seen in years.
But something is wrong. Why does Tara seem so different? And why do the other guests react so strangely to her?
Set in a sleepy seaside tourist town on the east coast of England in the 1990s, Deep Fake echoes the dangers and personal costs of the mis- and disinformation that is so prevalent in the world today.
Where and when?
Badhuistheater Boerhaaveplein 28 1091 AT Amsterdam May 28-30 at 20:00 Tickets: €18.50 available on the Badhuis website
This December, Downstage Left invites you to step into the warmth of the season with a festive edition of Playground. Amsterdam-based writers have created a collection of original one-act plays inspired by the holiday spirit: stories of togetherness, mischief, and a touch of winter magic.
Through this joyful evening of short performances, local artists explore the many ways we celebrate, connect, and rediscover meaning at the close of the year. Expect laughter, heart, and that unmistakable Christmas glow: TICKETS HERE!
Here is the exciting line-up:
Not This Again
Written by: Lauren Maxwell Directed by: Denis Burke Performed by: Abigail Levene, Freek Wouters, and Emma Reppa
Rachel, recovering from a recent heart scare, returns home to her parents’ house for some much-needed rest. As her mother, Sarah, fusses over her health and her father, Mel, cracks jokes to lighten the mood, old tensions and unspoken emotions begin to surface. The holiday season brings them together for a moment of reflection and reconnection, but the absence of Hanukkah candles and the weight of unresolved issues force each family member to face their own struggles.
OrnaMental
Written by: Katie Zaniboni Directed by: Rudi Araújo Performed by: Christine Blakely, Sam Aronson, Sean Olson-Roy, Stacy Filimonova, and Martin Koster Original music by: Raphael Sousa Santos
Snowed in at school on the Friday before Christmas break, a group of teachers pass the time by decorating the staff room tree and unexpectedly discover the true power of Christmas.
Murder for One
Written by: Jon Madge Directed by: Mash Muravina Performed by: Andy Cowie and Ben Evans
In this festive and fast-paced murder mystery farce, two retired detectives, Clune and Worthing, find themselves spending Christmas Eve together in a retirement home. As they reminisce about their once-glorious careers, Clune becomes fixated on his greatest unsolved case: the mysterious poisoning of Monsieur Darius Birch thirty years ago. A witty reminder that even in old age, the thrill of a good mystery is never far behind.
Snowed Under
Written by: Jeremy Keighley (with thanks to Mihaela Voinescu for additional ideas) Directed by: Denis Burke Performed by: Katya Petrova, Brian Ligthart, and Omar Mahmoud
A warm, chaotic comedy set on Christmas Eve in a chilly student flat in 1980s Northern England. Josh, Jude, and Danny are scrambling to catch a train home for Christmas dinner, but a series of mishaps threatens to ruin their plans. Between romantic tension, humorous misunderstandings, and last-minute packing, they navigate the absurdities of family expectations, love, and Christmas spirit.
Moving Time
Written by: Terri Sturman Directed by: Peppy Mac Ruairi Performed by: Türkü Köksel, Silvia Pietrosanti, Teresa Fernandez, Martin Koster, and Sean Olson-Roy
Chloe and Stevie have just moved into a freezing cottage in the countryside with no electricity. As they try to make the best of their first Christmas in a new place, their night takes an unexpected turn when a group of eccentric Mummers bursts in to perform a traditional Christmas play. A heartwarming story about ritual, community, and finding joy in the unexpected.
Crew
Production: Denis Burke Lighting & Sound: Thomas Cripps Designs: Kalina Chupetlovska Communications: Silvia Pietrosanti Social Media: Mash Muravina
Welcome! Thanks to everyone who got in touch about the open auditions on November 22 and 23. We have received a huge number of applications and we are now carefully working our way through them. Unfortunately we are already at the limit and have to close this call.
But… but… I really wanted to audition
We would have loved to have met you but unfortunately we have only limited time and we already need to get back to the folks who have been in touch with us. Please keep an eye on our newsletter and/or instagram for further calls in the future. Sincere thanks for your interest.
I applied. When will we hear more?
We’re working as fast as we can. We hope to be in touch with everyone who applied by October 31. We’re hurrying, we promise.
How will the auditions work?
We’ll be in touch soon to confirm the exact time and place (the auditions will be in Amsterdam in any case). Auditions will be informal. We’ll tell you a bit about DSL and answer any questions you might have. Then you’ll read a few short texts with at least one other actor. The whole thing will take 30-40 minutes.
Do I need to prepare anything?
Yes, but nothing very time consuming. We’ll send full details closer to the time.
Do you pay?Is there any chance of profit shares? Can DSL make me rich?
Downstage Left is run entirely by volunteers as a community venture. Key to our mission is making sure our tickets are affordable. We’ll never say never but it’s unlikely we will be in a position to pay anyone any time soon.
We are thrilled to present the 6th edition of Playground, our celebration of fresh theatre at the Badhuistheater in Amsterdam.
This year, we invite you on a journey of discovery. Through a vibrant collection of short plays, our performers explore the universal quests that shape our lives—love, memory, recognition, connection, acceptance, and revelation. From moments of laughter to scenes that move you to tears, each story offers a glimpse into the paths we take in pursuit of meaning.
✨ Join us for three unforgettable evenings of theatre 📍 Badhuistheater, Amsterdam 📅 October 9th, 10th, and 11th, 2025 🎟 Tickets available here
The Line-Up
MONACO Written by Diederik Rep Directed by Martin Koster Performed by Christine Blakeley, Evonne Dunne, Rudi Araújo, Ken Kitchen
TRAIN OF THOUGHT Written by Terri Sturman Directed by Jess Graham Performed by Denis Burke, Ben Evans and Amanda Lee
THEDARKNESS WITHIN Written by Sarah Talbot Directed by Ben Evans Performed by Mash Muravina, Pep Mac Ruairi, Ken Kitchen, Martin Koster, Teresa Fernandez and Amanda Lee
OBITUARY WANTED Written by Katie Zaniboni Directed by Silvia Pietrosanti Performed by Rudi Araújo and Pep Mac Ruairi
GO AWAY Written by Diederik Rep Directed by Evonne Dunne Performed by Ben Evans and Martin Koster
RESET Written by Domenico Gemoli & Nóri Mátrai Directed by Teresa Fernandez Performed by Silvia Pietrosanti and Denis Burke
Production Team Lights & Sound by Thomas Cripps Set designs by Jess Graham Brought to life with love by Ben Evans, Silvia Pietrosanti, Teresa Fernandez, and Evonne Dunne for Downstage Left
Downstage Left, in collaboration with Playhouse and The Cauldron, proudly presents: Missed Connections – An Evening of One Act Plays at the Badhuistheater on June 3, 2025
For one night only, Downstage Left brings you a preview of “I’m Home”, a short play by Denis Burke soon to be performed at FEATS in Hamburg. We’re delighted to be joined by our friends from Playhouse and Cauldron with their own short plays.
Chances in the Rain, by Robert Scott, Presented by Playhouse
Edward and Michelle are waiting for their dates in the same park. Both seem to have been stood up, yet they aren’t very sympathetic to one another. But there are two other lonely people on hand, and things resolve neatly… eventually.
The History of Cardenio, by Jon Madge, Presented by The Cauldron
A computer scientist and a literature student meet, become friends and try to resurrect one of Shakespeare’s lost plays. On the way, they clash over what’d important, the meaning of words and the real meaning of friendships.
I’m Home, by Denis Burke, Presented by Downstage Left
After a heavy night of drinking, Lily forgets that she recently moved and storms into her old apartment. Her unplanned visit (or break-in, depending on how you look at it) leaves new resident Francesca bewildered, but finally gives her roommate Neill the chanc e to get something off his chest.
Where and when?
Badhuistheater Boerhaaveplein 28 1091 AT Amsterdam June 3, 20:00
Join us for an exciting new installment of Campfire of New Writings, featuring fresh and thought-provoking theatre performances. This showcase of new works will take place at the Badhuistheater on April 4th and 5th at 20:00 (TICKETS HERE!)
A highlight of the theatre calendar, Campfire is a special night of staged readings of new short plays. It offers an excellent opportunity for writers to showcase their work in front of an audience and receive valuable feedback. Each edition features carefully selected works from emerging playwrights, brought to life by talented directors and performers.
Expect a night of engaging storytelling, captivating performances, and a celebration of fresh creative voices. Here’s the running order for the evening:
Good Grief
Playwright: Thomas Cripps Director: Ben Evans Acting:
Denis Burke
Silvia Petrosanti
Domenico Gemoli
Flashing Matters
Playwright: Linda Sjöström Director: Ben Evans Acting:
Christine Blakeley
Evonne Dunne
Ben Evans
Proposal
Playwright: Thomas Steffens Director: Peppy Mac Acting:
Submit Your Play to Campfire: A Night of Staged Readings
Campfire is a special night of staged readings of new short plays, offering an excellent opportunity for writers to showcase their work in front of an audience and receive valuable feedback. All the plays featured at our Campfire nights are selected from new Amsterdam-based writers—so if you’re based in or around Amsterdam, we’d love to see what you’ve been working on.
Submission Guidelines
To ensure your play fits with our format and ethos, please review the following guidelines:
Original Work: Your play should be an original piece written by you (someone who lives in or around Amsterdam).
Length: Plays should be 10-15 minutes in length. A good rule of thumb is that one page takes about one minute to read.
Cast Size: Your play should require no more than 3 performers.
Language: Plays must be written in English.
Thematic Alignment: Your play should align with Downstage Left’s ethos and values. We encourage drama that explores sensitive themes, as long as the intention behind it is thoughtful and respectful. (Note: This will be a subjective judgment call on our part.)
Formatting: Please format your play in a way that’s easy for us to read. If you’re unsure, the BBC has a great template for stage play formatting that you can use: BBC Stage Play Template.
Who Can Submit?
We’re looking for brand new writers, those with some experience, and even those who are new to writing in English. Whether you’re just starting out or have been writing for a while, we encourage you to submit your play. We value diversity of experience and voice.
How to Submit
To submit your play, please send it as an attachment (PDF, Word doc, or Google doc) to info@downstageleft.org. In the subject line, make sure to include CAMPFIRE 4.
Deadline: The deadline for submissions is 28 February 2025.
When Will Campfire Take Place?
If your play is selected, the staged reading will be held on April 4th and 5th, 2025.
Good Luck & Good Writing!
We can’t wait to read your work. Good luck with your writing, and we look forward to seeing what you’ve been creating!
Downstage Left proudly presents Keeping the Zoo, by Jon Madge. On October 17, 24 and/or 31, join us at Monks Coffee Roasters for the live recording of this brand new audio sitcom. We will perform and record two episodes each evening. But don’t worry, each night we’ll recap everything that’s happened so far, so you’re most welcome to join us for any or all of the performances.
Set among the employees and animals of a failing zoo, Keeping the Zoo is a six part scripted audio sitcom about work, friendships and escaped animals, written by Jon Madge and directed by Becky Blomgren.
Inspired by the American radio serials of the 40s and 50s, and classic audio comedies like The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy and Cabin Pressure, Keeping the Zoo will be recorded live before your eyes and ears. Actors and sound effects will bring the story to life for our live audience (that’s where you come in).
The 6 episodes will be released into the wider world in 2025, so this is your chance to have your laughs recorded for posterity and to say you were there when it happened.
Where and when?
Monks Coffee Roasters, Bilderdijkstraat 46H, 1052 NB Amsterdam October 17, 19:00-21:00 October 24, 19:00-21:00 October 31, 19:00-21:00
In July 2024, Downstage Left proudly presented The Arsonists* — by Swiss writer Max Frisch, translated into English by Alistair Beaton — a story about what happens when comfortable well-meaning people open the door and let evil flourish.
Biedermann is a successful business owner, master of her house, and an upstanding citizen. Just ask anyone, they’d all say so. But all that changes when she lets two suspicious strangers take up residency in her attic.
Could they be the arsonists who have been burning nearby towns to the ground? If so, what could they want from her house, conveniently situated in the middle of town? And, more importantly, what will she do about it?
Written in the aftermath of the Second World War, Max Frisch’s perennial satire of personal ethics and the weakness of respectability in the face of obvious evil has been brought up to date with a modern translation by Alistair Beaton.
Downstage Left’s sold out production of The Arsonists played at the Badhuistheater, Amsterdam from July 11-13
*The Arsonists is translated from the German: Biedermann und die Brandstifter. It is also known in English as The Firebugs or The Fire Raisers
We’re excited to announce the third edition of Campfire of Playwrights: two nights of six brand new short (10-15 minute) plays from Amsterdam-based writers, which will take place at the Badhuistheater on May 31st and June 1st at 20:00.Tickets are available now!
So what’s on offer this time?
Who the f*ck is Kevin?
by Christopher Grabski Sarah’s suspicions are aroused when her partner Matt starts to behave in unexpected ways.
Moon Bank
by Matthijs de Graaf Enos lives alone at the only continuously occupied base on the Moon: the ‘Moon bank’. Enos has received a message that an engineer, Robin, is on their way as a stowaway on a supply ship.
the Divorce Party
by Lauren Maxwell Michelle recently got divorced. Her friends decide that’s reason enough for a party.
Pigs Ear
by Terri Sturman A young doctor is taking up his first post in a small country town. His first major patient leaves him utterly baffled.
Reset
by Nóri Mátrai and Domenico Gemoli Tim and Dawn like each other. Neither has the courage to ask the other out, so they enlist the help of technology. Things do not go smoothly.
Go Away
by Diederik Rep Brothers Chris and Andy are not close. Chris’s recent bereavement presents an opportunity for reconciliation.
Downstage Left 