Text: Paul Hofman
Photo: Remon van den Kommer
Video: Paradox Productions
Theatre figurehead Barrie Stevens: Artist pur sang.
At the age of 17, he came to the Netherlands from prudish England. A long career on stage followed. Sixty years later, it is time to look back on those years, the love of his life and Pride Amsterdam. Barrie Stevens (77) is one of the figureheads of Pride Amsterdam this year. During the nine-day event, he will make a lot of appearances. 'For three nights, on 3, 4 and 5 August, I will then be at the Polanentheatre with the special performance Dood aan zee.'
Barrie enjoys the view of the Amstel river from his living room. He talks endlessly about his life, getting older, his latest performances and his ambassadorial role. With a common thread: following your passion. His living room is an oasis of calm in his busy life. Near his dining table, a large black-and-white photo of Leen Jongewaard hangs on the wall. 'For eighteen years we shared our joys and sorrows. With ups and downs. 'He meant everything to me; I considered him my brother, coach and lover.'
Beneath
'I was as green as grass when I came to the Netherlands. I left England, with its narrow views on homosexuality, to end up in a much freer Amsterdam. Well, it was the exciting sixties. Wow, this felt so good.' Soon Barrie landed in 'the business' as a dancer. 'I felt like a fish in the water. Looking back, 'Finally I could be myself, None of that sneaking around with guys. Gays in those days were seen as criminals. No, I could be 100 per cent gay here.' Although the Netherlands is his new homeland, he cannot let go of England. He regularly travels back to visit his parents. In 2019, he will get his Dutch passport.
Multitalented
The theatre world gives him a lot of freedom. His career is steadily developing. Singing, dancing, acting, directing and dressing up, Barrie can do it like no other. One of his strengths is his perseverance. It made him the most famous choreographer and theatre star of our country. The multi-talented Barrie performed in musical productions such as Heerlijk duurt het langst and De Jantjes. He beams when he talks about the old days.
Ambassador
Whether I had to think about saying yes to being an ambassador? 'Not for a moment. I think it's a great honour. Finally I can give something back to the people who have supported me during the 60 years that my career now spans,' and also accepted me because of his homosexuality, he adds. ''This way, as a Pride ambassador, I can give one-on-one support to people and hear their stories. That's what I want to do. I am there for them.'
Death
Enthusiastically, he talks about his new play Death by the Sea , which is based on the novel Death in Venice by German writer Thomas Mann. 'My partner Leen Jongewaard died 25 years ago this year. So much has gone unspoken. In this play, I go back to the place in the south of France where he died and where I want to scatter his ashes.' A kind of closure? Barrie thinks for a long time. 'Yes, yes. I see it as the end of a special part of my life. The story has been told, it's finished. It's actually a mixture of truth and fiction. There, I meet a tasty man in his thirties who works in the hotel where I am staying. With him, I build a deep bond.' Renowned director Gerardjan Rijnders has written the script. 'I am going to stage it exclusively during Pride 2022.' It will be a moving play. He proudly shows the theatre poster of the play. On it is a statue of an angel with his Leen's face embedded in it.'
Concerns
He does currently have concerns about the increase in violence against LGBT people. 'It is not at all as free as it was 50 years ago. It's still a struggle to be who you are. I find that sad.' To do something for the LGBT community, he does not necessarily need to be on a boat during Canal Pride. 'That is not for me. But other than that, I am completely open to all other things.' He is eagerly looking forward to Pride. 'I can't wait.... After the years of corona, we can finally live again, says Barrie. 'It was a disaster. Every time we were ready for my solo performance, there was a lockdown. To drive me crazy.'
My Gender, My Pride
The theme My Gender, My Pride appeals to me. 'It makes me reflect on my life, also to confront how everything has turned out. Is it the wisdom of greyness? He falls silent. Sixty years has taken him to discover and accept that he is gay. He is happier than ever. 'I have found the perfect balance in my life.' No one can ignore Barrie anymore.
Pride ambassador since 2022