A Girl in Haarlem: Religion, Politics, and Gender in the 80 Years’ War

After studying both the history of 16th century Haarlem as well as several historical plays by accomplished playwrights, I wrote a 40-minute five-act play entitled ‘A Girl In Haarlem’, set in the Dutch city of Haarlem in the midst of the 80 Years’ War of Independence. The play follows the life of Cornelia Korving, a young woman living in Haarlem in the year 1572. Five years into the War, tensions between the traditional Catholic supporters of the Spanish throne and the idealistic patriots battling for a new, self-sustaining Republic are higher than ever. Nevertheless, conservative Cornelia finds herself drawn to Pieter de Maas, a patriotic rebel with dreams of freeing his country and traveling the world. Together, they face both political and social dilemmas, battling their pre-existing assumptions, beliefs, and dreams as their relationship develops. The play focuses on the traditional roles of men and women in and out of wartime, as well as the duality of religion and politics.