Archive 1988 

The 1988 Holland Festival featured many highlights, such as Nixon in China by John Adams, directed by Peter Sellars, with a replica of the airplane in which the American president flew to China placed on the stage of the then brand-new Muziektheater Amsterdam. 

Another highlight was I Am Curious Orange by Michael Clark & Company, featuring the legendary British band The Fall on stage. It was a strong year for dance overall, with choreographer Édouard Lock’s La La La Human Steps, Alain Platel and his Les Ballets C de la B, and William Forsythe with Ballett Frankfurt. 

There was also a lot going on in music, with programmes devoted to contemporary English and German composers, as well as fifty works by John Cage performed in Café Americain and broadcast live on the radio. Ambient sounds became part of the compositions, so the programme booklet already promised a certain amount of chaos. In and around Café Americain, the Off Holland Festival took place, where young, unknown but talented artists could present short performances and concerts.