Real women would run in rainproof gear

A no language slapstick, with classical vocals and latex gloves

Behind the steamed up windows of a garden greenhouse, four men in tailored suits are doing an a capella performance of a Schubert song: “Wie schön bist du”. A woman – a real one, in high heels, red suit and a pearl necklace – is trying desperately to rid herself of her very loud crop.

Real women would run in rainproof gear (Echte vrouwen joggen in regenpak) is a hilarious exploration of shifting four-part harmonies and the number of men that can fit inside a compost bin. But first and foremost this imaginative music theatre show is a statement about the thing any real woman wants: some time to herself.

This absurd, no language slapstick, with classical vocals and latex gloves, was the very first show by the talented Theatre School students Jetse Batelaan and Elien van den Hoek. Both share a love of sophisticated simplicity and surreal slapstick. The show instantly was a success. It won the Stad Oostende / STUK Price TaZ#2001 and proved to work for all ages.

Theaterfestival Boulevard considered the show to be part of the canon of Dutch theatre. In 2018 they decided for a remake, located at a crowded Josephkwartier in Theater Artemis. With all the windows flung wide open – for good reasons. What was considered to be a one-off reprise, is now repertoire.

 

“The absurd basic premise is developed with utter consistency, which results in an irresistibly funny short performance.”
– Het Parool
“Brilliant in its simplicity. The first (and so far only) show during which my child did not fall asleep; he watched with considerable interest.”
– Moose minirecensie

Downloads

Created and directed by

Jetse Batelaan
Elien van den Hoek

Cast

Marie Groothof
Coen Bril
Jelle Hoekstra
Hendrik Kegels
Mees Walter en ontelbaar veel anderen

Produced by

Theater Artemis
Het Houten Huis

Mise en scene

David van Griethuysen

A big thanks to

Marijn Klaver
Matthias Mooij
Klemens Patijn
Daan van Rijssel

Shows abroad

2019
Rotondes Luxembourg (L)
Krokusfestival Hasselt (B)