Erik Whien
"I reveal the complex, layered existence of people by presenting them in an empty room. They are looking for something to hold on to, for hope and for a meaningful life."
Director Erik Whien (1978, Gendt) is known for his crystal-clear directing work, for example Verdriet is het ding met veren (Sadness is the thing with feathers) and A Case for the Existence of God. He manages to bring his actors to new levels. His performances are refined, psychological portraits of people and their inability: complex, recognisable and loving.
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Biography
In 2000 Erik Whien graduated at the Institute of Performative Arts in Maastricht. He worked as a director for several theatre companies including Toneelschuur Producties and Toneelgroep Oostpool, of which he was part of the creative core from 2008 until 2013. Ever since 2016, he has been a member of the makers community of Theater Rotterdam. His productions Eindspel (End Game), Revolutionary Road and Slachthuis vijf (Slaughterhause-Five) were selected by the Dutch Theater Festival.
As one of the most sensitive directors of the moment, he gives his actors access to a wide range of deeply felt emotions, without them ever becoming overly sentimental.
In addition to his work for Theater Rotterdam, he joined the new theater company Bureau Vergezicht in 2025. He works with theatre makers Anoek Nuyens and Rebekka de Wit on performances about power, the climate and shared responsibility.