Under De Toer, a Dutch project telling the stories born in Frisian churches

Under de Toer is an initiative started by professionals of the cultural field in Friesland, North-Western province of the Netherlands.

This project presents 32 stories born in one of the 750 incredible churches Friesland counts. These stories shape a starting point for artistic manifestations involving a number of municipalities. Together they put forth the most touching narratives that are worth being told again.

FRH had the chance to join in on the presentation of one of these stories, in the church of Huizum in Leeuwaarden. This event marked the lighting of the FRH Torch, a memory treasure box, containing personal, often handwritten letters from prominent members of the international community but also from European citizens themselves.

We live with stories and enjoy telling them to each other. Stories originate when people get together and pass them on. Years ago people from Fryslân got together on the mounds. Fleeing the water but also to collect fresh water from the community well. That is why many churches are built on a mound. Some are still in service as a House of God but some also serve as galleries, theatres, shops, houses or are simply empty. They will however always be buildings full of stories. Religious stories, but also stories about big or small happenings in the community that are told again and again.
Peter de Haan, Chairman, Church of Huizum