Smerghain

On 8 November, Theater De Richel undergoes a metamorphosis for Smerghain: an absurdist day festival with deliberately unpredictable happenings.

The programme combines dance with activities such as Girldinners, a thumb wrestling championship, demotivational speakers and bad singers. Along the way, visitors may encounter a Sinterklaas invasion, spontaneous New Year's Eve celebrations, fortune-telling by a wizard, being tied to a stranger or an unexpected yoga class. The foyer serves as a dance floor, the café as a techno bunker and the attic as a cinema.

The festival challenges contemporary hustle culture and status-driven nightlife, based on the belief that shared conviction makes something real. The theme is 'EAT THE RICH(el)', with a politically incorrect dress code - coming in costume is encouraged. A no phone policy and strict Berlin-style door control apply. Discrimination, hate and racism are not welcome.