Theaterfestival Boulevard is working toward a festival in which as many people as possible feel welcome, seen and represented. That requires not only practical facilities, but also a way of working in which different perspectives, experiences and forms of participation are taken for granted.

This commitment took shape in various ways during this festival edition as well. There were 14 programme items (including performances) in Dutch Sign Language or with Dutch Sign Language (NGT) interpreters, three sensory-friendly receptions for performances, three performances with audio description for blind visitors, tactile interpreters for deafblind visitors, Meet & Feel sessions that allowed blind and visually impaired visitors to explore performances beforehand, and a braille map of the festival site.

The collaboration with the deaf community was deepened further. Deaf people were involved in performances, contextual programming and the festival team, which this year welcomed a deaf accessibility colleague. The Sign Language Café was once again a lively meeting place with performances and a talk show in Dutch Sign Language, drawing more than 300 visitors.

Representation

Representation was also given a visible place. The volunteer team was expanded to include people with disabilities, so that the team better reflects society as a whole. On stage, makers and performers with a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives could be seen, including Chiara Bersani with Michel, The Animals I Am, Misiconi with Interval, Scheldeoffensief and Comp. Marius with Romeo & Julia, and Georgios Lazakis & Redo Aït Chitt with Dramatic Poets.

Give a Ticket

Financial accessibility also remained an important guiding principle. Thanks to free programme items for newcomers, among others, and more than 500 "Give a Ticket" vouchers, visitors for whom attending a festival is less self-evident were also able to take part in Boulevard.

Lijn73

This commitment does not stand on its own. Outside the festival period as well, Boulevard works toward a festival that is rooted in the city and connects different people with one another. This happens, among other things, within Lijn73, where makers, residents and community partners meet throughout the year and collaborate on artistic projects that build on sustainable relationships, reciprocity and shared ownership.

In 2026, this took place in collaboration with Stormkamer/Hanna van Mourik Broekman, Guilherme Miotto/Corpo Máquina Society and Kingsisters, who connected with residents of 's-Hertogenbosch before the festival and deepened these relationships further during Boulevard.