Tirza
Jörgen Hofmeester once had it all: a representative wife, a nice house with a garden in an upperclass neighboorhood of Amsterdam, a respectful job as an editor of translated fiction, two beautiful and bright daughters named Ibi and Tirza and a large amount of money on a Swiss bank account, because of the the rent that he collects as the landlord of a room in his house.
During the preparations for the party celebrating the graduation of his daughter Tirza and her classmates we come to know what he has lost. His wife has left him for a lover, Ibi has left Holland to start a bed and breakfast in France of which he opposed, the director of the publishing house has fired him and his savings got lost in a hedge fund, because of the economy after 9/11.
On weekdays he hangs around at Schiphol Airport.
The only things Hofmeester still has are his salary, his house and foremost his youngest daughter Tirza, the sunqueen.
Suddenly after three years his wife returns and Tirza gets a new boyfriend named Choukri who looks like Mohammed Atta. To make things worse Tirza and Choukri will go on a one year holiday to Africa: the Dark Continent.
Read an excerpt in English here.
Adaptations
In april 2021 a Polish adaptation premiered in Wrocław. Directed by Pawła Miśkiewicza.
Reviews of the play
"With the assistance of amazing lights combined with large screens and magnificent music, but most importantly thanks to fabolous acting - the director created a real family story, full of pain, anxiety and longing for a better tomorrow. It seems to be the most mature work of this director" (Dziennik Teatralny).
"This psychological drama with elements of thriller, is as intense as the Oscar winning "The Father". The pillars of the movie, based on a magnificent play, as well as Arnon Grunberg amazing book adaptation - are iconic roles performed by Anthony Hopkins and Jerzy Senator. These are high rated actors who can display emotions like no other". (TuWroclaw.com).
