Julia Ghysels wins the Theo d'Or 2025!
15-09-2025
The Jury Reports
Julia Ghysels in Holly Goosebumps – nomination for the Theo d'Or for the most impressive acting performance in a supporting role
The jury: “In Holly Goosebumps, Julia Ghysels shines as a troubled goddess in this hallucinatory meta-myth, which is as witty as it is clever. The performance winks richly at the countless hero stories from Western history and douses it with a hefty splash of Tarantino-speak and pop culture – a demanding mix of registers and playing styles that pushes the ensemble to its limits. A treat for the actors of the Zuidelijk Toneel. Julia Ghysels stands out as an absolute standout. Ghysels masterfully commands Ozdogan's complex style: she seemingly effortlessly navigates between horror and humor, between elevated and banal, and between tongue-in-cheek and seriousness.”
Damiaan De Schrijver in Schopenhauer - nomination for the Theo d'Or for the most impressive acting performance in a leading role
The jury: “The musical, witty, and razor-sharp performance of Damiaan De Schrijver in this monologue convinces from the very first word. Across the board, De Schrijver misleads the audience in his portrayal of the pessimistic philosopher. It is incredibly clever how light and casually the philosopher's thoughts are taught through him. His free and open playing style charms and mocks at the same time. This balancing act is a remarkable tour de force that De Schrijver seemingly casually brings to the stage.”
About the VSCD Theatre Awards
Every year, the Dutch Theatre Jury selects the ten most impressive, urgent, and meaningful theatre productions for the Dutch Theatre Festival. Additionally, the jury issues nominations for the VSCD Theatre Awards, which recognize the most impressive stage performances. Through these awards, the VSCD honors exceptional achievements within the performing arts and aims to showcase the importance and impact of theatre to a wide audience.
The winners will be announced during the Gala of the Dutch Theatre on Sunday, September 14, 2025, at the International Theatre Amsterdam, as a festive conclusion to the Dutch Theatre Festival.
