A surprise after the rehearsal
Jury chair Roos Ouwehand surprised Keja this week with the good news, after the rehearsals of Silence of the Dogs. The jury report states: ‘Keja Klaasje Kwestro made a lasting impression this past season three times in a row with her roles in Not Quichot, Byzantium, and of course the important and unforgettable F*CK LOLITA.’ For that last role, Keja already won the Theo d’Or last month for the most impressive acting performance in a leading role.

Keja will receive a medal bearing the likeness of Mary Dresselhuys and an amount of 25,000 euros, to be used for the further development of her career. The prize will be awarded in the spring of 2027 at Café DeLaMar in Amsterdam.

About the prize
The Mary Dresselhuys Prize is an initiative of the VandenEnde Foundation. Joop van den Ende established the prize in 1992 to honor the work of Mary Dresselhuys, and thereby the work of theater actors in general. The prize is awarded every two years. Previous winners include Jeroen Willems, Katelijne Damen, Fedja van Huêt, Jacob Derwig, Beppie Melissen, Anniek Pheifer, Steef de Jong, Janni Goslinga, and Bram Suijker. The jury consists of Noraly Beyer, Michiel van Erp, Loes Luca, Laurens Spoor, and chair Roos Ouwehand.

Two major awards in one year. Congratulations Keja!