The Memory of ... Willemijn Zevenhuijzen

Willemijn Zevenhuijzen comes from Zuidhorn, a small village near the city of Groningen in the north of the Netherlands. She now lives in Antwerp. She is a performer and theater maker. In addition to stage performances, she also creates shows in high schools and is a coach for young talent. Together with Jetse Batelaan and Liesbet Swings, she forms the artistic team of Theater Artemis. 

What is your first memory of Kortrijk or the region?

“I’ve performed in Kortrijk many times. My first memory is of the show *Boswachten* with Jetse Batelaan. That also marked the beginning of our collaboration. We were performing at a festival back then and partied hard afterwards. That’s why I associate Kortrijk with a very festive feeling. I got really drunk that time and ate instant noodle soup from a packet for the first time… though I suspect that isn’t exactly typical of Kortrijk?”

Is there a specific place in Kortrijk that is special to you, and why?

“I have particularly fond memories of the Schouwburg [theatre]. We’ve performed there a few times with Artemis. I remember there are beautiful photos of old stage sets hanging there. I also saw a huge photo showing soldiers being treated inside the building during the First World War.”

What role do your roots play in your artistic body of work?

“Perhaps more than I realize. A characteristic of the North is that people there tend to be quite blunt and direct. I used to be blunt too, but that was more out of shyness. I really had to learn that when you’re creating something, you need to put into words what’s going on in your head. That way, you bring everyone along with your train of thought and your choices. When I’m performing, I often ask myself: ‘If I were to drop dead tomorrow, would this be good enough?’ Total surrender while performing is very important to me. Not beating around the bush—or ‘nait soezen’ [not messing about]—but going all out. That might be a Northern trait, too.”

What would you like to say to the young generation of artists from Kortrijk?

“Stay true to yourself. Try out your ideas as uncompromisingly as possible. Also, staring idly out the window is an underrated part of rehearsing. Don’t feel self-conscious about it. And yes, you matter!!!”