Romans Return to Bocholtz with Theatre Tour
Author: Harry Lindelauf
Photography: Harry Lindelauf
After the success of the first edition, it was bound to happen: the Romans are returning to Bocholtz with the archaeological festival Sempervivetum.
From Friday 14 to Sunday 16 June 2024, ten theatre locations in the Roman valley of Bocholtz will form a theatrical route.
The 2024 edition is organised by Marc Hermans and Marc Charlier, who also produced the sold-out festival of 2022. The director in 2024 is Mike Severens.
As two years ago, the Romans — and those who rediscovered their local history — will come to life and speak once again at the historical sites. However, compared with 2022, some theatre scenes have been replaced or adapted.
Several scenes have been moved to the courtyard of Hoeve Overhuizen, which serves as the festival’s central hub. An additional attraction is the original ash chest discovered in Bocholtz in 2003.
Bilingual Theatre
Fitting for its location, the performances feature multilingual texts. After all, we are in the linguistic area of Ripuarian, right next to the German border.
Some of the 70 actors perform in Rhineland Ripuarian during the shows. This language is still spoken in the far southeast of Limburg, as well as in Germany up to Cologne and in eastern Belgium.
The roots of this language go back to the Franks, who took control of Western Europe after the Romans.
When booking tickets, visitors can indicate whether they prefer Dutch- or German-language guidance.
Practical Information
Visitors follow the theatre route in groups, accompanied by a guide-narrator.
The three-kilometre route is partly covered by horse-drawn wagon and partly on foot. The route is less suitable for wheelchairs.
Friday 14 June: start times from 13:00–16:00
Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 June: start times from 11:00–16:00
More information and tickets are available only via the website: www.sempervivetum.com
