On Saturday 17 October, the American-Netherlander, Greg Shapiro will be bringing his solo show ‘KING ME: 250 Years of Donald Trump’ to the Theatre Luden, Voorburg.
On July 4, 2026, the United States will celebrate 250 years of independence… by bringing back the king. With Donald Trump in power, it feels as though 250 years have already passed. “What a perfect moment for a new American revolution,” exclaims Dutch-American comedian Greg Shapiro. Yet Shapiro also dares to take an optimistic view of the US. He predicts that Trump’s tyrannical behavior won’t last long—provided Europe stands strong. Mark Rutte calls Trump ‘Daddy,’ but Ursula says: “Mama is angry.” If the Epstein files prove anything, it is that certain world leaders are attracted to anything but strong, mature women.
‘KING ME’ is a blend of stand-up comedy and storytelling, with a dash of Trump-inspired improvisation. ‘KING ME’ is Shapiro’s ninth solo show.
Greg Shapiro has been associated with the Boom Chicago Theater in Amsterdam since 1994. He hosted ‘Comedy Central News’ on Comedy Central Netherlands and has appeared on BNR, BNN-VARA, VPRO, and ZDF (Germany). And yes, he is known as the voice of Trump in the viral video ‘The Netherlands Second’, which has garnered over 50 million views. Greg has authored books such as How to Be Dutch: the Quiz and The American Netherlander: 25 Years of Expat Tales.
KING ME: 250 Years of Donald Trump’ Saturday 17 October – 20:30 Luden Theater, Burg. Feithplein 95, 2273 BW Voorburg
Autumn brings a varied month of cinema to Pathé, with big new releases, thrillers and plenty of family adventures. Tom Cruise stars in Digger, while The Social Reckoning explores the story of Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen. There is also psychological suspense in Verity, arcade-inspired action in Street Fighter and more horror arriving as Halloween approaches.
Beyond the major releases, Pathé’s In the Picture selection includes a new adaptation of Sense and Sensibility, the unusual love story Wicker and Laika’s stop-motion adventure Wildwood. Horror classics return to the big screen throughout the month, while younger visitors can enjoy a new Shaun the Sheep adventure and two Sinterklaas films.
Pathé Specials
Opera: Così fan tutte – 3 October
The season of The Met: Live in HD opens with Mozart’s comedy about love, loyalty and temptation. Phelim McDermott’s production takes inspiration from Coney Island in the 1950s, placing the story in a colourful seaside fairground. Federica Lombardi and Samantha Hankey perform as sisters Fiordiligi and Dorabella, alongside Duke Kim and Andrey Zhilikhovsky as Ferrando and Guglielmo.
Ladies Night: Wen Er Maar Aan – 7 October
Dutch comedy Wen Er Maar Aan follows actress M. as menopause, family tensions and the loss of her regular television role turn her life upside down. Determined to show that her future still holds possibilities, she sets out to reinvent herself. Pathé’s Ladies Night preview includes a snack, drink and goodie bag.
Queen Budapest – 7 October
Queen’s 1986 concert at Budapest’s Népstadion returns to the big screen in IMAX. Filmed during the Magic Tour, the band’s final tour with Freddie Mercury, the concert has been newly scanned and remastered in 4K with a new audio mix. The set includes favourites such as Bohemian Rhapsody, I Want to Break Free and We Are the Champions.
New top movies at Pathé
Digger – 1 October
Tom Cruise plays the most powerful man in the world, who makes a desperate attempt to save humanity from a catastrophe he has unleashed himself. The cast also includes Riz Ahmed, John Goodman, Sandra Hüller, Michael Stuhlbarg and Jesse Plemons. Available in Dolby and IMAX at participating cinemas.
Verity – 1 October
Based on Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel, this psychological thriller stars Dakota Johnson as struggling writer Lowen Ashleigh. Hired to ghostwrite for celebrated author Verity Crawford, played by Anne Hathaway, Lowen moves into the family’s secluded country house. A disturbing discovery draws her into secrets involving Verity and her husband Jeremy, played by Josh Hartnett.
Forgotten Island – 1 October
DreamWorks Animation’s latest adventure centres on two best friends who must find a way to grow closer before they grow apart. From the studio behind How to Train Your Dragon, Shrek and The Wild Robot, the film is available in its original version as Forgotten Island and in Dutch as Het Vergeten Eiland.
The Social Reckoning – 8 October
This follow-up to The Social Network, written by Aaron Sorkin, draws on the events behind The Wall Street Journal’s“The Facebook Files”. Mikey Madison plays Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen, who works with journalist Jeff Horwitz, played by Jeremy Allen White, to expose secrets within the social media company.
Whalefall – 14 October
Following his father’s death, Jay Gardiner, played by Austin Abrams, dives off the Californian coast in search of his remains. When a huge whale swallows him, Jay finds himself trapped with just an hour’s oxygen remaining. Lessons from his father, played by Josh Brolin, may offer his only chance of escape. Available in 4DX at participating cinemas.
Street Fighter – 15 October
Set in 1993, Street Fighter reunites estranged fighters Ryu and Ken Masters when Chun-Li recruits them for the World Warrior Tournament. Behind the competition lies a deadly conspiracy that forces them to confront both their opponents and their past. Director Kitao Sakurai brings the arcade game to cinemas with familiar characters, signature moves and spectacular action.
Clayface – 22 October
DC Studios’ horror thriller stars Tom Rhys Harries as Matt Hagen, whose rapid rise from the streets of Gotham to Hollywood ends after a brutal attack. An experimental treatment appears to restore his former appearance, but his hold on reality begins to slip. Directed by James Watkins, the film follows his increasingly destructive pursuit of revenge.
Other Mommy – 29 October
Young Bela forms a connection with a sinister presence in her home that looks disturbingly like her own mother. Directed by Rob Savage, this horror film comes from producer James Wan and Blumhouse Atomic Monster.
In the Picture
Pathé’s In the Picture selection highlights distinctive films that bridge mainstream cinema and the film-house programme.
Sense and Sensibility – 15 October
Jane Austen’s story returns in a new adaptation starring Daisy Edgar-Jones and Esmé Creed-Miles. Produced by the makers of Pride & Prejudice, the film brings another classic literary tale to the big screen.
Wicker – 22 October
Olivia Colman and Alexander Skarsgård star in an unusual story about love, desire and the courage to go against convention. With Skarsgård playing the Wickerman, the film promises a strange and intriguing approach to the complications of love.
Wildwood – 22 October
Laika, the studio behind Coraline, presents a new stop-motion adventure directed by Travis Knight. Its imaginative world and detailed animation make this a film to experience on the big screen, with an adventure designed to appeal to both younger and older viewers.
Classics: Halloween on the big screen
October brings a selection of horror favourites back to cinemas:
Friday the 13th – 1 October: the reopening of Camp Crystal Lake leads to a terrifying series of murders.
The Shining – 8 October: Stanley Kubrick’s adaptation of Stephen King’s novel stars Jack Nicholson and Shelley Duvall as a family spending the winter in an isolated hotel. Also showing in IMAX.
The Craft – 22 October: a new student joins a group of school outsiders who discover the power, and dangers, of witchcraft.
A Nightmare on Elm Street – 31 October: Wes Craven’s horror classic brings Freddy Krueger and his deadly dream world back to the cinema for Halloween.
For the kids at Pathé
Het Vergeten Eiland – 1 October
The Dutch-language version of DreamWorks’ Forgotten Island follows two best friends facing changes in their friendship.
De Club van Sinterklaas Film: Paniek in het Pietendorp – 1 October
Preparations for Sinterklaas’s annual journey to the Netherlands are going smoothly until his staff disappears and bags of presents go missing. Suspecting a thief, the Pieten set out to solve the mystery.
De Grote Sinterklaasfilm en de Vliegende Pieten – 1 October
Extreme winter weather threatens to derail Pakjesavond. Unable to deliver presents across snow-covered rooftops, the Pieten begin working on an invention that could save the celebrations.
Shaun het Schaap: Het Beest op de Boerderij – 7 October
Shaun the Sheep returns for a new family adventure. The farm’s residents are looking forward to Halloween, but their plans are threatened when a clumsy farmer destroys the sheep’s pumpkin patch.
Dutch cinema
De Tatta’s: Daan – 8 October
Daan promises to find an unforgettable birthday present for his crush, Layla. With his grandfather Richard along for the ride, a seemingly simple mission becomes a chaotic journey through the Hollandwijk, full of unexpected encounters.
Pathé news
A cinema visit to bring people together
For the Week against Loneliness, Pathé and the Nationaal Ouderenfonds joined forces to encourage people to take an older person experiencing loneliness to the cinema. The initiative highlights how a shared outing can create opportunities for connection.
Looking ahead: The Hunger Games Marathon
Pathé has announced a marathon of all five Hunger Games films on 14 and 15 November at 25 cinemas. The programme brings together the four original films and the prequel about Coriolanus Snow, ahead of the announced release of The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping on 19 November.
Pathé Thuis
There are also family films to enjoy at home through Pathé Thuis.
In De Film van Rutger, Thomas & Paco, Rutger and Thomas must solve a mystery when their dog Paco suddenly turns into a cat. They soon discover that other dogs are at risk too.
Paw Patrol: De Dino Film takes the pups to a tropical island inhabited by dinosaurs. When Mayor Humdinger’s plans trigger a volcanic eruption, the team faces a rescue mission of prehistoric proportions.
Pathé Thuis
There are also new releases to watch at home through Pathé Thuis during September, including Minions & Monsters, a new chapter in Illumination’s animated Despicable Me universe.
Release dates and screenings may change, so check Pathé directly for the latest programme, participating cinemas and tickets.
Pathé is the first and largest cinema brand in the Netherlands, founded in Paris in 1896 by true pioneers of film: the Pathé brothers. Their aim was to share the wonderful world of film with as many people as possible. Throughout the Netherlands, Pathé has 30 locations, 253 screens and 1,900 employees. Through its wide range of films, livestreams of opera, sports and gaming, among others, the latest techniques such as IMAX, 4DX, Dolby Cinema and ScreenX, and business events, Pathé creates special and unforgettable cinema stories for all.
Disclaimer& Copyright notice
Pathé is a partner of The Hague Online, and we receive cinema tickets in exchange for sharing monthly updates and links on our website and in our enewsletter. Text is provided by Pathé in Dutch and translated into English by The Hague Online. Images are provided by Pathé. Text and images may not be copied and shared without written permission.
In the dunes of The Hague, where light can be so tangibly present, American artist James Turrell has created a place to look at the sky: ‘Celestial Vault’ in Kijkduin. The work has been permanent and freely accessible for three decades. Stroom Den Haag is celebrating the anniversary from September 18 to 20 with guided tours and a presentation on its origins.
A long staircase, an elliptical dune hollow, and a stone bench. Whoever enters Hemels Gewelf lies down and looks up. The shape of the landscape leads the gaze towards the sky; the heavens seem to draw closer and change shape. Light, clouds, time of day, and weather make every experience different.On this coming September 21st, it will be exactly thirty years since Celestial Vault by American artist James Turrell was completed and unveiled in the dunes of The Hague. It is one of the few permanently accessible landscape works by Turrell in Europe – an internationally renowned artwork that is free for everyone to visit, right here in The Hague.
No screen. No distractions. Just watching.
It is precisely in this respect that Hemels Gewelf feels remarkably relevant thirty years after its opening. In a world where our attention is constantly demanded, the work offers something rare: a place where you don’t have to do anything for a moment but look. Turrell makes the sky not a background, but a subject. Whoever lies on the stone bench becomes simultaneously aware of the light, the space, and their own way of seeing.
International artwork, Hague collection James Turrell is internationally regarded as one of the most important artists working with light, space, and perception. His work can be found worldwide; recently, a ‘skyspace’ was installed in the Aarhus Art Museum in Denmark. The fact that The Hague possesses a permanent and freely accessible landscape work by his hand is exceptional. Hidden in the dunes near Kijkduin, art and landscape merge almost completely. Hemels Gewelf is therefore not only a work by an internationally renowned artist but also a special asset of The Hague: a piece of the sky on the coast, which remains a discovery for many visitors.
Anniversary weekend September 18-20, 2026 Stroom Den Haag, the initiator of the realization of Hemels Gewelf , is organizing a festive program with guided tours from September 18 to 20. Visitors will discover the work, its history, and the unique character of art in public space. Registration is possible via www.stroom.nl .
Additionally, at Stroom aan de Hogewal, there is a presentation featuring a model of Hemels Gewelf and photo and film material from the very beginning.
The Hague English Comedy Nights return to Branoul on Saturday 26 September, bringing together established names and rising talent from the international English-language comedy circuit.
This month’s headliner is Irish comedian Fred Cooke, who combines music, physical storytelling and an unpredictable stage style. A well-known face on the Irish comedy circuit, Cooke has supported major comedians including Tommy Tiernan, Ardal O’Hanlon and Seann Walsh.
He is also a regular performer at leading comedy venues in the UK and Ireland, including The Stand, The Comedy Store, The Empire and Dublin’s Laughter Lounge, and has appeared widely on the festival circuit. His performances mix musical ability with energetic storytelling and a deliberately chaotic style of comedy.
Also appearing is Shaz Memon, a Dutch-Pakistani stand-up comedian based in Amsterdam. His comedy combines sharp crowd work, storytelling and cross-cultural observations on identity, immigration, race and modern city life.
Born and raised in Pakistan, Memon later moved to Australia to study before settling in the Netherlands, giving him an international perspective that strongly shapes his material. He has quickly built a name on the European English-language comedy circuit and, in 2025, won both the Jury Award and Audience Award at the English Comedy Talent Award during the Utrecht International Comedy Festival.
The evening will be hosted by Irish comedian Sharon Em, who will guide audiences through the line-up, with additional support acts also appearing during the night.
The Hague English Comedy Nights regularly feature headline acts from the UK and European comedy circuits who are not often seen performing in the Netherlands, alongside experienced MCs, established support acts and emerging comedians.
There are two performances on Saturday 26 September, at 19:00 and 21:00. The show is entirely in English.
Contemporary Art Tour The Hague Fr. 25 September 7-11 PM
During HOOGTIJ you can visit more than 20 locations in the inner-city of The Hague: from white cube to underground; from established art in galleries and institutions to installations and performances in artists initiatives. Free entrance. Free tours for those who wants it.
Startlocation 6.30-7.00 PM: Quartair (Toussaintkade55). Free art tours start here at 7 PM.
Deelnemers: 1646, Atelier Ferron, Billytown + Billytown Air, Das Leben am Haverkamp, EnergieKas, Galerie Maurits van de Laar, Galerie Sophie, Kunstbar, Maldoror + Maldoror Studio, Namuso Gallery, Nest, NGO, Page Not Found, Parterretrap, Projektruimte WEST END, Quartair, Rijksmuseum Meermanno, Ruimtevaart, Sis Josip Galerie, Refunc, Stroom Den Haag, The Balcony, The Grey Space, West Testforum.
Photographer Eva Besnyö (1910 – 2003) was not only a witness to, but also a driving force behind the emancipation of photography. Together with her contemporaries, she experimented freely with a new visual language: away from painting, focused on reality, close-up, and full of dynamism.
This autumn, Fotomuseum Den Haag presents one of the largest retrospective exhibitions ever of Eva Besnyö’s work. It is composed of photographs from its own collection, the most extensive Besnyö collection in the world. Set against the backdrop of a profoundly changing Europe, the exhibition traces Besnyö’s life: from her first experiences with the camera in Budapest and her formative years in the raw Berlin of the 1930s to her life and career in Bergen and later Amsterdam, where she was part of a progressive creative network. The Second World War, which left deep scars, and her involvement with the Dolle Mina movement in the 1970s are also included. With vintage prints, archival material, magazines, and personal documents, the exhibition offers a rich picture of Besnyö’s oeuvre as well as of the twentieth century, in which political upheavals and the struggle for women’s emancipation are closely intertwined with her life and work.
“Besnyö possessed not only exceptional photographic talent but also entrepreneurial spirit. From her position as a migrant, she consistently managed to carve out a place for herself within leading artistic circles, build her own practice through photo assignments, and develop initiatives that advanced photography, including the groundbreaking exhibition Foto ’37 at the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam.” – Margriet Schavemaker, General Director of the Kunstmuseum and Fotomuseum The Hague
New Photography
Stylistically, a large part of Eva Besnyö’s work belongs to New Photography, a movement in which the camera was used to show the world in a new, objective, and experimental way. Surprising camera angles, strong diagonal lines, and clear compositions are characteristic of this. With a keen eye, she captures people, cities, architecture, and societal changes. Her photographs show the world as it was: modern, dynamic, and constantly in motion.
In the footsteps of a century
The exhibition traces Besnyö’s life, starting with her childhood in Budapest and her move to Berlin. Together with her then-lover John Fernhout, she exchanged Berlin for Bergen in 1932, where she formed a close friendship with her mother-in-law, Charley Toorop. Through her in-laws, she found herself at the forefront of the Dutch artistic scene. The Second World War marked a turning point in her life. The Jewish Besnyö had to go into hiding, and her work came to a standstill. In post-war Netherlands, she focused her camera on a society in transition: from reconstruction to women’s emancipation, of which her photographs of Dolle Mina have since become iconic documents. In addition to photographs and personal documents by Besnyö, a self-portrait by Charley Toorop and chairs by Gerrit Rietveld are also on display in the exhibition. This addition underscores the extent to which Besnyö was part of the artistic circle in the Netherlands during the 1930s.
Largest collection of Besnyö
In 2023, Fotomuseum Den Haag / Kunstmuseum Den Haag acquired an important collection of 341 prints by photographer Eva Besnyö. All of these photographs were printed in the darkroom by Besnyö herself or under her supervision. The collection includes, among others, the famous portrait of the little boy with the bass, portraits of artist friends such as Charley Toorop and Violette Cornelius, and the street scene taken on Starnberger Straße in Berlin with her characteristic diagonal lines.
This collection was in the possession of Iara Brusse, the daughter of Besnyö. The acquisition of the collection was made possible by a combination of purchase and donation, with support from the Erik Bos Fund.
Publication
Accompanying the exhibition is the publication of the same name, ‘Eva Besnyö – The Liberated Camera’. With text contributions by Maurits de Bruijn, Nienke Coers, Margriet Schavemaker, Iris Sikking, Lou Stoppard, and Willemijn van der Zwaan. The photobook was designed by Hans Gremmen and is published by Hannibal Books.
Biography
Eva Besnyö (1910 – Laren 2003) was born in Budapest. As a teenager, she received a camera from her father, and this proved to be a pivotal moment for the rest of her life. In Budapest, she took lessons from the renowned photographer József Pécsi, who encouraged her to leave for Berlin in 1930 to pursue photography. Due to the rise of fascism, she was forced to move to the Netherlands in 1932, where she quickly gained fame as a professional photographer. Besnyö played a crucial role in the development of Dutch photography in the 20th century. She was one of the most famous figures within the New Photography movement in the Netherlands, which was characterized by a modern, experimental approach and a focus on everyday subjects.
In addition to her artistic work, Besnyö was also socially engaged. In the 1970s, she used her photography as a means to draw attention to women’s rights. Her photographic oeuvre encompasses a wide range of subjects, varying from portraits and street photography to landscapes and abstract compositions. Eva Besnyö passed away on December 12, 2003, in Laren.
This exhibition is made possible in part by the City of The Hague, VriendenLoterij, Erik Bos Fonds, Vereniging Vrienden van Kunstmuseum Den Haag, and V-fonds.
The research preceding the exhibition and publication was carried out with the support of the Vereniging Rembrandt (thanks in part to its Fund for Research into Modern and Contemporary Art).
