Wageningen45 (Nationaal Comité Herdenking Capitulaties 1945)
Produce the programs of May 4 and 5 at the 5 Mei Plein in Wageningen, with special attention to the commemoration of 80 years of freedom.
On May 4, for the fourth consecutive year, we created the television program “Vuur van de Vrijheid” (Flame of Freedom), broadcast live on NPO1. Against the historic backdrop of Hotel de Wereld, the transition from remembrance to cherishing freedom was marked in a theatrical way. In close collaboration with NOS, Theater na de Dam, and Wageningen45, XSAGA curated this program featuring meaningful contributions from artists including Angela Groothuizen, Blaudzun, Sinan Can, Maan, Douwe Bob, Cato van Dijck, and Sven Ratzke—made extra special for the 80 Years of Freedom jubilee through accompaniment by the band Sven Hammond.
At midnight, the National Liberation Fire was lit, then entrusted to 14 Verschilmakers (“Changemakers”), before more than 5,000 relay runners were cheered on as they carried the flame across the country on their night-long journey.
As part of the jubilee year, Gelderland took the role of Host Province, and Wageningen became the stage for the National Opening of Liberation Day 2025. Commissioned by and in collaboration with the Province of Gelderland, the Municipality of Wageningen, the National Committee 4 and 5 May, and Wageningen45, this resulted in a unique program including the National Commemoration of the 1945 Capitulations, the renewed Freedom Parade, and the 5 May Lecture, delivered by none other than Donald Tusk, Prime Minister of Poland. The program was presented by Roos Moggré, with musical accompaniment by the Royal Military Band “Johan Willem Friso” and JOASH, winner of Gelderland’s Songs For Freedom competition.
Finally, XSAGA Video produced several films to provide additional context and depth to these historic and meaningful days.
