Frank Cools

Theater Hofpoort is the main stage for the performing arts in Coevorden, a town in the southeast of Drenthe close to the German border. It is a regional theater rather than a dedicated concert hall, so its programme moves between music, dance and stage productions. That mix gives the venue a broad character, and visiting acts tend to include it as one stop on a longer theater tour of the Netherlands. On the music side, the programme leans toward tribute shows and acoustic acts. A Tina Turner tribute production has played here, promoted as a live music event at the theater, and the Dutch acoustic trio SYA has listed a matinee performance on its tour schedule. Matinee slots like this point to an audience that includes people who prefer an afternoon outing to a late night out. Rock Theater acts such as The Fortunate Sons have also named Hofpoort among their tour stops, which shows the room can take louder material as well as quieter, seated shows. Beyond music, the theater hosts dance. The Eastman dance company has listed a date at Hofpoort as part of a touring run of theater shows, which places the venue on the circuit for international contemporary dance as well as for Dutch cabaret and music acts. Travel guides to the area single the theater out as the place in Coevorden for performing arts, and mention it alongside the open air museum village of Orvelte nearby. For visitors to this part of Drenthe, it is the obvious address for an evening of live entertainment.