The collaboration between Oerol and Explore the North has been going strong for a while, but this year we’re going bigger than ever before! Across the entire island, you’ll find new work by young (northern) creators and literature in all its forms: from audio walks to radio plays.
During the final weekend of Oerol 2025 – June 20 to 22 – the West-End Theater on Terschelling will be transformed into a vibrant stage full of exciting previews, fresh talent, and unconventional performances from the production house of our friends in Leeuwarden.
“As a festival in the north of the country, I find it especially important to give a platform to creators from that region. Explore the North (and Meeuw) is the perfect partner in this. Together, we explore which performances are a good fit for Oerol and which locations on the festival site will allow them to shine.” –Sophia Blyden, programmeur Woordkunst Oerol Festival
About the Explore the North program at Oerol
In GEESTEN, De Poezieboys and Joost Oomen go hunting for “the spirit.” What is that, exactly? No idea – and that’s exactly the point. Expect a poetic rollercoaster full of bizarre brainwaves, improvisation, music, and wildly absurd discoveries.
Beyond the Triangle is a preview of powerful new work. Dance, music, and poetry merge in this multidisciplinary performance by Sanam Tahmasebi, Roshanak Morrowatian, and Explore the North. The voices of female Iranian poets form the backbone – grounded, powerful, and unmissable at the intimate Bostheater. At the cozy West-End Theater in West-Terschelling, you’ll also see work by ZEA, Nicole van den Berg, Drie Dagen Fris, and Mona Thijs, Zindzi Tillot Owusu, Charlotte Westra & Jaimy Hindriks.
Four Young Writers wandered across Terschelling before the festival rush began. You’ll hear their stories during this literary audio walk from the festival heart to the beach. About seeing, listening, and getting lost – in both language and landscape. Raw, rhythmic, and straight from the heart: Alexander Moto brings his sharp hip-hop in Frisian and Dutch to the festival heart, De Deining, on June 21 and 22. Reflective, energetic, and unafraid to strike a chord.
Oerol and Explore the North are joining forces to make space for experimentation, the Frisian language, and voices that need to be heard. Come listen, watch, and be surprised.
Tickets for the performances go on sale on May 23 (May 20 for Friends of Oerol). You’ll also need a festival wristband – get yours now through May 13 for €55 (Jopies: young people up to age 35 pay €35).
