Tulpmania

The tulipomania became famous as the first ever stock exchange crisis in history. In 1635-1636 people started wildly speculating on tulip bulbs. The tulip arrived in the Netherlands from Turkey at the end of the sixteenth century, and by 1593 it had been cultivated in the Hortus Botanicus in Leiden. Its magical beauty and sheer scarcity ensured that it soon became a status symbol. Growing wealth among Dutch citizens and merchants, and the launch of the stock exchange after the Dutch East India Company was established, meant that more and more citizens were able to afford this exquisite but perishable rarity. Owning tulip bulbs became the symbol for being a high flyer. But this burning obsession with speculating on tulip bulbs could only end in tears.

Performed on location - in the halls of Moolenaar, one of the world's largests exporters of bulbs, in the heart of the Bollenstreek - TULPMANIA is a large-scale musical theatre project revolving around two themes: speculation fever and greed, and the aesthetics of the tulip as a flower. For this project, SDH works closely with Veenfabriek, Asko|Schönberg, Flora Holland, actors, musicians, singers and a regional choir, as well as bulb growers, market gardeners and traders on the stock exchange. The combination with a three-course dinner and inspirational speakers makes TULPMANIA a truly unique experience. 

Run period

Wednesday 29 April to Sunday 31 May 2015 (try-outs: 29 and 30 April; première 1 May). Every Wednesday to Saturday, starts 7 p.m. Matinee on Sundays, starts 4 p.m. 

Advance bookings

Tickets are 52,50 euro's (including three-course dinner). Young people (up to 21), students and groups of more than 10 people pay 45 euro's per person. Attractive discount for advance bookings: Book now and pay just 42,50 euro's.  Click here for tickets. 

Tip

Combine TULPMANIA with a trip to Leiden. From Leiden Central Station TULPMANIA can be reached within 30 minutes by traveling with bus 57.