The curtain rises on Directed by Rembrandt
Rembrandt was a master storyteller, not in words but in images. To do this, he used techniques that were also used in theatre, such as facial expressions, gestures, lighting, costumes and props. And he searched for the moment when the tension was palpable. In the exhibition Directed by Rembrandt, Museum Rembrandthuis puts Rembrandt’s role as director of his works of art in the spotlight for the first time. And reveals how 17th-century painters and theatre-makers inspired each other.
During the exhibition period (2 March to 26 May), activities for young and old will be offered in and around the museum.
Collaboration with Shady and Shahine El Hamus
From directing to acting. The El-Hamus family can do it all. For the new exhibition Directed by Rembrandt, we could not imagine a better partners to work with than the brothers Shady and Shahine El-Hamus. Shady El-Hamus has already won several awards for his directing skills while still a student at the Dutch Film Academy. In 2018, he made his first feature-length film ‘De Libi’ (Life). Late last year, his feature film Crypto Boy was released on Netflix, starring his younger brother Shahine. Shahine El-Hamus knew already at a young age that he wanted to be an actor. At the age of 19, he won a Golden Calf in the best actor category for his role in the feature film ‘De Belofte van Pisa’.
Like Rembrandt, Shady and Shahine are true storytellers. How do they look at Rembrandt’s work and apply centuries-old techniques to today’s work?
In the exhibition, Shady and Shahine share their insights in the so-called slow watching tour. They look at two of Rembrandt’s masterpieces (Suzanna (1636) and Potiphar’s Wife Accusing Joseph (1655)). What do they think of Rembrandt as a director? Would they have done things differently themselves? Slow watching is part of the free multi-media tour.
15 minutes of Directed by Rembrandt
From 7 March, every Thursday at 13:00 there will be an on-the-spot narration of the exhibition Directed by Rembrandt by one of our curators. In 15 minutes, visitors will be taken through and immersed in the exhibition. The perfect lunch break! The activity is free, you do not need to book, but a ticket to the museum is required.
City activation – City Canvas
Get to work yourself! On the weekend of 8 April, we will organise the City Canvas contest. At a number of important Rembrandt spots in Amsterdam, we will place director’s chairs and invite passers-by to take a seat in the director’s chair and direct their companions, or passers-by, in the best pose. They may sketch this pose and with the sketch they can visit the exhibition for free on that day. Keep an eye on our website or social media channels for more information.
Walking with Rembrandt – the ‘Directed by Rembrandt’ edition
A walk between the two locations has been developed by Mastercard especially for the exhibition at Museum Rembrandthuis and the presentation at the Stadsarchief Amsterdam. At nine intermediate stops, people will learn more about Rembrandt and theatre in the area walkwithrembrandt.nl
Where boutique hotel The Dylan is now located, Amsterdam’s first Stasdsschouwburg used to stand. Due to a fire, only the beautiful entrance gate has been preserved. As the last stop of the walk, you can have a ‘Director’s Delight’ cocktail here. A cocktail off the regular menu, and available at a10% discount on presentation of the walk. Also, cafe-restaurant De Bazel, near the Stadsarchief has a special Rembrandt menu for lunch and dinner: Menus Rembrandt and Theatre – Stadsarchief Amsterdam Book via: cafe-restaurant de Bazel
Stadsarchief. Behind the scenes: Amsterdam theatre in the 17th and 18th centuries
The treasure room of the Stadsarchief Amsterdam hosts a presentation on theatre. You will find original objects and archive documents about theatre in Amsterdam in the 17th and 18th centuries, and about the Amsterdam Schouwburg and its actors. The presentation is free to visit. For more information: Behind the scenes: Amsterdam theatre in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries – Stadsarchief Amsterdam
