Turnhout (Brussels Morning Newspaper): Walter van den Brock, a famous author from Olen, died at 82 in February 2024. His play “Groenten it Balen” will be performed again in autumn 2025 at De Warande, directed by Stany Crets. An exhibition of his journalism will run from September 13 to November 30, showcasing his work with De Morgen and Turnhout Ekspres.
Walter van den Brock, a famous author from the Kempen, passed away in February at the age of 82. He was well-known for his novels and plays, often using his hometown of Olen as inspiration. In autumn 2025, a new version of his 1972 play “Groenten it Balen” will be staged by production company EĂ©n Zee, directed by Stany Crets, who starred in the 2012 film version. The play will premiere at the cultural center De Warande in Turnhout.
What’s next for “Groenten it Balen” and its exhibition?
It has been said that “Groenten it Balen” is a play about a long strike and how it affects the village of Balen. It is very popular in Flemish theatre, with over 1,000 performances, mostly by amateur groups. Karl van den Brock, the son of the author Walter van den Brock, is excited about the new version. He said,
I know the play well, but it’s always nice to see it performed again with such a great cast.
In Autumn 2025, De Warande will have an exhibition by Karl and Stefan van den Brock, the sons of a writer. Karl said they wanted to show their father’s work as a journalist. He helped save the newspaper De Morgen in 1987 and was the editor of Turnhout Ekspres from 1970 to 1987. Some of the Turnhout Ekspres archives will be on display from September 13 to November 30.
