Prominent Utrechters talking about their favourite spot in the city. This month: Appie Alferink (1959), founder and outgoing director of ZIMIHC (Zat IK Maar In Hoog Catharijne) theatre, talking about one of ‘his’ three locations: the Vorstelijk Complex in the Zuilen neighbourhood of Utrecht.
So… the Vorstelijk Complex?
‘Of all the locations where we work to support amateur art forms, this one has a particularly special story. Twenty-three years ago, we noticed these place with two beautiful but dilapidated school buildings, which the architect managed to join together and attach to our modern building. We wanted ZIMIHC (pronounced zimmik, ed.) to have a location in Zuilen. It’s not easy to reach residents living outside the city centre, so you have to take the theatre to them. It eventually took eight years for the Vorstelijk Complex to open, and it’s become a huge success. To me, it’s the best small playhouse in Utrecht.’
Biggest irritation?
‘The fact that the plan to widen the A27 and sacrifice part of the Amelisweerd estate has still not been dropped. The government is pressing ahead while everyone opposes it and the benefits will be negligible. What’s more, we should be cherishing that expanse of woodland; Utrecht really needs it. I love going there because I love nature. It’s the reason why I spent a sabbatical two years ago biking from Utrecht to Rome. During the trip, I decided that in spring 2026, after 37 years leading ZIMIHC, I would pass the reins to the younger generation. Martine Spanjers, a product of the ZIMIHC family herself, will take over from me.’
Best memory?
‘In 2009, when ZIMIHC organised the international Europa Cantat choir festival and 30 boats with choirs from 40 different countries sailed through the Utrecht canals during the opening concert. The combination of that stunning podium, beautiful music and the warm, friendly atmosphere literally reduced me to tears. Europa Cantat has been around since 1959. It started with an idea which is equally valid today: let’s sing instead of going to war.’
Recently discovered?
‘Ali Zanad, a young dancer and choreographer who came to the Netherlands from the Kurdistan Region of Iraq at the age of 13. Ali also dances with the Utrecht collective Mensja, which creates a wide range of performing arts. Ali will be presenting his second solo show this autumn, which was again made possible thanks to funding from the Participatie Federatie, which we are part of. Ali is an exceptional dancer: he combines hip-hop with classical dance and a huge dose of passion. His moves are breathtaking.’
Last thing you watched?
The show Het leven is kort, net als ik by BNNVARA presenter/actor and theatre maker Eva Eikhout, who has a rare syndrome that left her without arms or legs. Her message to the full house, which included lots of people with physical disabilities was this: don’t let anyone victimise you. For example, she said: “Make sure that people talk to you, not about you”. The show was overwhelming, it confronted you with your own preconceptions. She talked about going to the Lowlands festival, taking a pill and seducing men, joining in like everyone else. The stupid thing is that you never really think about why she wouldn’t do this. The show taught me to be more aware of my preconceptions.’
Favourite place to eat?
‘I love Chinese food, but it has to be authentic. I learned a lot about Chinese cuisine when I visited China twice with our family, because that’s where our daughter comes from. I enjoy the refined, mellow flavours, and the diversity: every region has its own different dishes. Unfortunately, Het Paradijs on Vredenburg has gone, but we still have Tai Soen in Hoog Catharijne. Ask for the right menu, not the one with Foeyonghai. Peking duck with little pancakes is one of my favourites. Delicious!’
Inspirational Utrechter?
‘Jos Stelling, founder of the Netherlands Film Festival and owner of Filmtheater Slachtstraat, Louis Hartlooper Complex and Springhaver Theater Café, where I used to go as a student. The thing I admire about his cultural entrepreneurship is the way he always manages to find a way without funding. Thanks to him, Utrecht has three successful arthouse cinemas with hospitality, which don’t show mainstream films. I’m in awe of his courage, something we need more of in the amateur art world.’
Lees in het Nederlands
Over dit artikel
text:
Sarah-Mie Luyckx
images:
Juri Hiensch
Publication date:
10 February 2026
Magazine edition:
UITagenda Utrecht februari 2026
