Leiden2022
Leiden European City of Science 2022 was a 365-day science festival, with each day dedicated to a unique theme. On 22 December, the year was officially concluded with a Finale Festival centred around the theme ‘Future’.Following several successful productions earlier in the year (see other case studies), XSAGA was commissioned to develop the concept and deliver the full production of this closing celebration.
A key theme throughout Leiden2022 was the power of curiosity—celebrated throughout the year, but also actively encouraged to strengthen the connection between science and society. To ensure that this curiosity would continue beyond the year itself, the Finale Festival focused on the daily theme ‘Future’.
For the occasion, the Stadsgehoorzaal was transformed into a large-scale festival venue for everyone with a curious mind. The audience included both people involved in the programme throughout the year and the general public who happened to be in the city for their final Christmas shopping on this Thursday evening. In true Leiden2022 spirit, every element was designed to be surprising and unexpected. Visitors entered through the back entrance and followed a special route beneath the stage before arriving in the main hall. There, they discovered an inspiring range of activities offering a glimpse into the future. On stage, a silent disco-inspired setting was created, allowing a substantive programme of talks and conversations—hosted by Jim Jansen and Eveline van Rijswijk—to take place alongside the continuous energy and excitement of the festival.
The day concluded with a Grande Finale, featuring performances by Nynke Laverman and a poetic tribute by science rapper Jon Chase, allowing the renewed sense of curiosity to resonate even further.
