Theater performance on location Kneppelfreed is about the fiery trial that took place Friday 16 November 1951, in which not only Fedde Schurer was on the stand—but also the Frisian identity. It was a trial about the use of the Frisian language in the courtroom, resulting in a historic riot.
This performance of Kneppelfreed marks the 70th anniversary of the monumental trial. The play is directed by Sjoeke-Marije Wallendal and under the artistic direction of Jos Thie, and features a top cast including Joke Tjalsma and Ali Zijlstra, with text by Bouke Oldenhof.
The performance takes the form of a special court case and takes the viewer through time to three court cases where language plays a role. It is not only about the Frisian language; it is about diversity in general. Mr. Abel Hertzberg’s argument from 1951 is excitingly relevant to this day.
Kneppelfreed is a co-production of De Harmonie and Pier21. Just like the historical court cases themselves, the performance is in both Frisian and Dutch.
Kneppelfreed can be seen in the Paleis van Justitie in Leeuwarden from October 29 to November 28, 2021
photo: Marjanka fotografie
Paleis van Justitie, Leeuwarden