Spinoza

From the creators of Nachtwacht comes Spinoza: a bold and moving musical, NITE style. Expect a true NITE experience where music, dance, and theater come together in an explosive spectacle. A deeply human story about love, conviction, and the courage to think differently — in Amsterdam, about Amsterdam.

17th-century Amsterdam.
A city that sees itself as a safe haven.
A community of Portuguese-Jewish refugees.
Three children, one family.

Bento (Spinoza), Rebecca, and Miriam are siblings. They grow up together; in the same family, with the same history, in the same city… And yet, they are all completely different. Their dreams collide.

Bento is a free thinker who dares to radically question God, faith, and tradition. He asks questions — too sharp, too free. Rebecca chooses safety within the community, choosing to belong. Miriam longs for a freedom that doesn’t exist for her, simply because she is a woman. While the children start out with a close bond, they grow further apart until a deep divide opens between them. Love becomes forbidden. Ideas become dangerous. And tolerance turns out, to be a flexible concept.

Between thought and desire
Against the backdrop of the Amsterdam Forest and driven by powerful songs, we follow the family in their struggle with faith, freedom, and desire. As the city is ravaged by war and disease, they lose one another. But even when they are apart, they remain forever connected.

English subtitles every night
Want to bring your non-Dutch speaking friends, family, acquaintances, or colleagues? No problem! This year, every performance of Spinoza will feature English subtitles. Easy, right?