Angela Schijf Takes Center Stage as Sonja Barend
Renowned Dutch actress Angela Schijf is set to portray Sonja Barend in a new stage play based on the famed television host's life and autobiography. The production is poised to make its theatrical debut in December 2024.
Jordan Taylor
- 2023-12-28
- Updated 03:08 AM ET
(NewsNibs) - Angela Schijf, celebrated for her dynamic roles in Dutch theatre and television, steps into the shoes of Sonja Barend, the iconic talk show host known as the 'queen of the talk show'. The play, which extracts its narrative from Barend's revealing 2017 autobiography "Je ziet mij nooit meer terug," promises an intimate glimpse into the personal and professional life of Barend, whose career in television began in 1966. Written by Annet Bremen and directed by Servé Hermans, expectations are high for this adaptation's faithful and compelling representation of Barend's storied career.
A National Celebration of a Television Icon
After its premiere, the play embarks on a tour, slated to be showcased in theaters across the nation. This ensures that audiences from various regions will have the opportunity to witness the portrayal of Barend’s legacy, which is deeply entrenched in Dutch broadcasting history. Angela Schijf's interpretation of Barend is highly anticipated, given Schijf's acclaimed status in the Dutch performing arts.
Barend, 83, has had a lasting influence on the Dutch television landscape. From her early appearances on programs to leading numerous shows for AVRO and VARA, including well-known titles such as "Sterallures," "Sonja's goed nieuws show," and "Sonja op maandag," her career spans decades and genres, reflecting her versatility and staying power in the industry.
Tribute to a Trailblazer
The stage play is a tribute to Barend's significant impact on television and journalism, as well as a reflection on the life of a woman who carved out a space for herself in a competitive field. The production aims to honor her story with the depth and respect it warrants. The unveiling of this biographical play in December 2024 is expected not only to entertain but also to celebrate the life and achievements of Sonja Barend, who remains an enduring figure in Dutch cultural history.
