paroolFeb 19, 2026, 02:00

Online friendships are real friendships, youth play In Real Life aims to show parents

The theater production "In Real Life" (IRL) by De Toneelmakerij aims to bridge the generational gap by showing parents that online friendships formed through gaming are genuine and significant. The play features a hybrid format of live acting and real-time rendered game environments, allowing the audience to interact and build virtual connections via a smartphone app. It premieres on February 20 at De Krakeling in Amsterdam before beginning a national tour.

Technology Culture Lifestyle Netherlands

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Fewer first-time buyers on the housing market, most are immigrants

New data from Statistics Netherlands (CBS) shows that the number of starters on the housing market decreased from 560,000 in 2023 to 518,000 in 2024. The decline is notably driven by a 12 percent drop in the number of young people leaving their parental homes to find their own residence.

Annet's 93-year-old mother looks forward to Ascension Day morning walk: 'They will go in a convoy of wheelchairs'

Annet’s 93-year-old mother, a resident of the Huis ter Hagen care center, is preparing for a traditional Ascension Day morning outing. The residents plan to celebrate the holiday and the fine weather by traveling together in a procession of wheelchairs.

Significant damage in fire at Euroshop store in Beverwijk

A fire broke out at the Euroshop store on Italiëlaan in Beverwijk during the night between Thursday and Friday. The building sustained significant damage as a result of the blaze.

OPZ, Jong and VVD to proceed as trio for Zandvoort coalition; Fred Teeven: ‘A fourth party would not add stability’

The political parties OPZ, Jong Zandvoort, and VVD will form a three-party coalition in Zandvoort without seeking a fourth partner. Informant Fred Teeven recommended this arrangement to ensure political stability for the next four years, despite it resulting in a narrow majority in the municipal council.

Car fire on Leeghwaterweg in Velsen-Noord, man taken to hospital

A car was destroyed by fire on Leeghwaterweg in Velsen-Noord during the night from Thursday to Friday. The vehicle's owner was transported to the hospital for treatment after inhaling smoke.