Young maker Sytze Bouma on Drag Me [2] RoXY: ‘By putting on a glitter dress, sides of me wake up that are otherwise asleep’

Theater maker Sytze Bouma uses drag as a central costume and performance element in his work, explaining that the art form allows him to express different sides of his personality. Bouma, who studied philosophy, finds that drag serves as a vital wake-up call that promotes vulnerability and joy. His creative process is deeply rooted in personal history and local narratives, as demonstrated in his latest production, Drag Me [2] RoXY. The show focuses on the iconic club founded by Peter Giele, an artist and activist whom Bouma admires for his restless creative spirit. To prepare for the play, Bouma researched the history of the club, interviewing former staff members and witnesses to capture the essence of the space.

The upcoming production, which examines the legacy of the legendary venue and its founder, runs from September 9 to September 12 at Theater de Richel. For Bouma, this project is part of a larger artistic journey that he hopes will lead to international opportunities and potential leadership roles in the future.