Welcome to the website of Annechien Koerselman

stage director and playwright in Drama, Music Theatre & Opera

Annechien Koerselman (1976) graduated at the Academy of Dramatic Arts Maastricht, specialization stage direction.

Since she has worked as a stage director in Drama, Music Theatre and Opera in the Netherlands and abroad.

Furthermore, she writes scripts, adapts novels for the stage and translates plays.

Sometimes she also designs the light and/or set and/or costumes and/or video for the performances she stages.

With some regularity Annechien is also providing various organizations artistic and productional advice, commissioned by them

she writes applications for cultural subvention and is working as a dramaturge at several (music)theatre- and dance productions.

Last of all, she teaches as freelance drama teacher within her workingfield.

Currently

Shockwave is topical music theater about what happens when the climate becomes so confused that you are forced to leave everything behind. This happens to young Janna, who misses the boat and is left behind on an island that is about to be swallowed up by the waves. This fascinating performance for 1 actress, 5 musicians and an imaginary rabbit premiered in September 2024. Annechien developed the concept, wrote the play and was stage director of the show. More information: SHOCKWAVE

Photo & Poster © Teemu Kekkonen

Finally, the renowned tango opera MARIA DE BUENOS AIRES is being performed again in the Netherlands. More relevant than ever, and in a brand-new guise! The Netherlands Saxophone Octet was the first Dutch ensemble to receive the rights from Piazzolla's heirs to adapt the piece for eight saxophones, vocals, lyrics, bandoneon, piano, and percussion. Maria de Buenos Aires is a story full of emotion and melancholy, but above all, of courage, hope, and inspiration. Annechien directs. More information: MARIA DE BUENOS AIRES

Drawings © WDR

For the 8th year in a row, Annechien is directing the popular Konzert mit dem Elefanten at the WDR Cologne. She also designs the light. This year, together with Elephant, Rabbit, André Gatzke, the puppet Knolle and the WDR Funkhausorchestra, she will celebate the joy of anticipation that Christmas brings in an exciting musical way. Premiere December 03, 2026 in Cologne (Germany). More information: CHRISTMAS

Poster © Tessa Veldhorst

"Lost in the Stars" - a concert that blends classical music, jazz, and cabaret. The Hague String Trio and internationally acclaimed singer Lucy Woodward, along with double bassist and arranger Marijn van Prooijen and drummer Vinsent Planjer, will perform a musical tribute to Kurt Weill and his contemporaries. Well-known songs like "Mack the Knife," "September Song," and "Smile" are given new life in captivating and refined arrangements. Annechien directs and designs the light. More information: LOST IN THE STARS

a visual and musical journey about following your heart

Premiere January 16, 2024, De Doelen Rotterdam (NL) International Touringproduction

Before Vincent Van Gogh dedicated his life to painting, he had all kinds of occupations. His expectations were high, he tried everything, but no profession gave him satisfaction. It wasn't until he was 27 that he found his calling: living as an artist. In Van Gogh's Way to Go! we follow Vincent along the path where his passion for art, without regard for any conventions, took him.

Reed Quintet Calefax brings Van Gogh both musically and theatrically to life. By means of projections we zoom in on the tiniest details of his art and ravel alongside Vincent with quotes from himself or his loved ones. Through diverse styles of classical music by among others Bizet, Berlioz, Franck, Schumann - pieces that Vincent has listened to himself or which were written during his life - but also by living composers, the underlying emotions will be made tangible.

Calefax Reed Quintet has developed three variants of this production: a working version of a music theater performance for 9+ (youth version), a working version of a staged evening concert for adults and the final version: an international touring production.

02VanGoghAvondconcert RobvanDam

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Credits Cast & Crew

Portfolio

THE LITTLE UGLY DUCK

So it is possible [...] making fascinating theater, suitable for both children and adults. The combination of acting, vocals, music and text in the little ugly duck - a loose adaptation of the story by Hans Andersen, conceived and directed by Annechien Koerselman -led to a strong and creative performance lasting 75 minutes which was really telling something.

Rein Swart

DIJKDRIFT

Very special is that all players are both beautifully singing, making music in a marvelous way and are acting stronly at the same time. An incredible achievement of stage director Annechien Koerselman and all performers. Dijkdrift is an extremely original opera production.

Scenes, Jos Schuring