in september 2006 verscheen op News Room (ZA)


Herman van Veen at PE Opera House




Theatre lovers in the Eastern Cape have the chance to enjoy the talents of internationally renowned Herman van Veen at the PE Opera House in his cabaret "Hoed af". After a sold out South African tour in 2005, the internationally renowned cabaret performer returns for one performance only and will be performing at the PE Opera House on 9 September 2006.

Defining a performance by this Dutch cabaret wizard Herman van Veen is not easy. He sings like a minstrel, rivets you to your seat with stories and anecdotes from his life, plays the violin with gypsy-like passion and always surprises with some spontaneous antics, ranging from clowning, wild dancing or throwing the audience with a bucket of water.

Despite this he is not "harmless" and does not hesitate to deliver socio-political commentary. He speaks an international language which transcendent all barriers. His shows are musically very powerful and he effortlessly performs in four languages (Dutch, English, French, and German). Even for those who do not understand Dutch, the show offers high-calibre entertainment, because the musical aspect is so strong. Apart from his own compositions, he sings songs by Europe’s top song writers, including Jacques Brel, who is one of his idols and role models.

Van Veen will be accompanied by virtuoso classical guitarist Edith Leerkes, a performer in her own right. Van Veen has been performing for 40 years but he always succeeds in coming up with something new. He has performed on all the famous stages of the world to great acclaim and is worshipped by the press and audiences alike.

His schedule is booked up three years in advance. He is one of the few non-French performers who have managed to conquer the hearts of the French at the famous Olympia Theatre in Paris, following in the footsteps of Jacques Brel.

The fact that he has recorded more than 138 CDs, released 9 DVDs, published numerous books, writes film scripts and plays (for adults and children), as well as directs, certainly makes him one of the most versatile artists around.

Do not miss this unique performer in action on the stage of the PE Opera House on 9 September at 20h00. Tickets for the performance are available at Computicket on (041) 586 3177. For further information visit the website www.hermanvanveen.co.za. (Source: www.writingstudio.co.za)