After months of preparation, the professional production company 'Historalia' has organised a grandiose musical around the "greatest Belgian", Father Damien. The occasion was the 150th anniversary of his arrival on Molokai. Extensive research was carried out and Ruben Boon, coordinator of 'Damiaan Vandaag' and author of the latest book on Damien, was contacted to oversee the content. This gave the audience a good insight into Damien, but also into the people of Hawaii.
The musical 'Damiaan' will be performed throughout August in the open air behind the Basilica in Scherpenheuvel. This location was chosen because it was here that Damien said farewell to his mother, and because Scherpenheuvel is the largest place of pilgrimage to the Blessed Mother Mary in the Benelux.
The Fathers and Sisters of the Congregation of Damien received free luxury tickets for the premiere, which was attended by six confreres and four sscc sisters. It was an unforgettable event.
The musical is performed on an impressive stage 50 metres long and 20 metres deep. No effort has been spared. Historalia makes every effort to ensure that 1,500 spectators can follow the musical in optimum conditions at each performance. To this end, they are provided with headphones at the time of the performance for an optimal audio experience.
After intensive preparation, professional scriptwriter Luc Stevens has succeeded in getting the 160 singers and actors to give their very best. Fifteen performers are professionally associated with Historalia productions: "They are supported by other professionals and 120 extras, mainly from the Scherpenheuvel-Zichem region". The youngest performer is 5 years old, the oldest 83: "More than 2,000 people are involved in the months-long preparation and performance of the open-air musical.
The title role in the musical 'Damien' is played by Pieter Jan De Paepe, who studied the role of Damien in depth in order to portray the saint as faithfully as possible, but also in all his vulnerability. This undoubtedly contributed to making Father Damien very credible and human on stage.
Among those present at the premiere were three bishops, including the new Archbishop Luc Terlinden, as well as other leading figures from the world of politics and culture. The media were also well represented.
The SSCC brothers and sisters present were able to enjoy this marvellous show, which will run throughout August but is apparently sold out.
Link to the photo gallery: https://goo.su/AXHtUR
08/09/2023