CPNB
Develop and produce the auditorium and party programme for the Boekenbal, bringing the theme of the Boekenweek to life through an inspiring and celebratory experience.
In 2025 and 2026, XSAGA had the honour of shaping the iconic Boekenbal both creatively and productionally. Hosted at Internationaal Theater Amsterdam, where all guests were welcomed for an inspiring stage programme and festive celebration, the evening brought the Boekenweek themes to life: ‘Je moerstaal’ (2025) and ‘Mijn generatie’ (2026).
These themes were celebrated through a highly diverse stage programme, creating a festive journey through language and identity. With a wide range of performances—from video (in collaboration with XSAGA Video) and music to spoken word and dance—the many colours and expressions of language in the Netherlands were explored and celebrated.Visitors experienced everything from regional and cultural mother tongues, such as the Groningen dialect, sign language, Sinti sounds and The Little Prince in Twents, to generation-based perspectives including diary excerpts by Mensje van Keulen, an ode to the literary movement of the Fifties and Turks Fruit.
A spectacular finale brought the stage programme to a grand close and marked the official opening of the Boekenbal dance celebration. The evening continued with an unforgettable party featuring various DJs, getting everyone on the dance floor.
