Welcome to the website of Annechien Koerselman

stage director and playwright in Drama, Music Theatre & Opera

Annechien Koerselman (1976) graduated at the Academy of Dramatic Arts Maastricht, specialization stage direction.

Since she has worked as a stage director in Drama, Music Theatre and Opera in the Netherlands and abroad.

Furthermore, she writes scripts, adapts novels for the stage and translates plays.

Sometimes she also designs the light and/or set and/or costumes and/or video for the performances she stages.

With some regularity Annechien is also providing various organizations artistic and productional advice, commissioned by them

she writes applications for cultural subvention and is working as a dramaturge at several (music)theatre- and dance productions.

Last of all, she teaches as freelance drama teacher within her workingfield.

Currently

Poster © Tessa Veldhorst

"Lost in the Stars" - a concert that blends classical music, jazz, and cabaret. The Hague String Trio and internationally acclaimed singer Lucy Woodward, along with double bassist and arranger Marijn van Prooijen and drummer Vinsent Planjer, will perform a musical tribute to Kurt Weill and his contemporaries. Well-known songs like "Mack the Knife," "September Song," and "Smile" are given new life in captivating and refined arrangements. Annechien directs and designs the light. More information: LOST IN THE STARS

Shockwave is topical music theater about what happens when the climate becomes so confused that you are forced to leave everything behind. This happens to young Janna, who misses the boat and is left behind on an island that is about to be swallowed up by the waves. This fascinating performance for 1 actress, 5 musicians and an imaginary rabbit premiered in September 2024. Annechien developed the concept, wrote the play and was stage director of the show. More information: SHOCKWAVE

Photo © Henry Faber

Vocal quintet Wishful Singing and the young energetic ensemble But What About jointly present the tragicomic compelling music theatre performance Charlotte Salomon. Based on the true story, Salomon's colourful visual history of more than 700 paintings and texts comes to life theatrically and tells the moving story of a young woman who, despite challenging circumstances in an increasingly complex world, still manages to stand her ground. Dynamic new music theatre that will premiere during the Septemberme Festival in Amersfoort. Annechien writes the libretto, directs and designs video and light. More information: CHARLOTTE SALOMON

Illustration © Unknown

The Pulcinelli are two clever pranksters from Italy who constantly face new challenges. Fortunately, the acrobats are resourceful, but they do need the help of the musicians and the audience. This vibrant family concert will premiere in May 2026 at the Berliner Philharmoniker, conducted by chief conductor Kirill Petrenko. Annechien is responsible for the concept and stage direction. More information: PULICINELLA

Photo & Poster © Teemu Kekkonen

Finally, the renowned tango opera MARIA DE BUENOS AIRES is being performed again in the Netherlands. More relevant than ever, and in a brand-new guise! The Netherlands Saxophone Octet was the first Dutch ensemble to receive the rights from Piazzolla's heirs to adapt the piece for eight saxophones, vocals, lyrics, bandoneon, piano, and percussion. Maria de Buenos Aires is a story full of emotion and melancholy, but above all, of courage, hope, and inspiration. Annechien directs. More information: MARIA DE BUENOS AIRES

fifteenth elephantastic children's concert

Premiere November 22, 2025, WDR Funkhaus Cologne (DE)

The elephant (Elefant) is celebrating his 50th birthday! Together with Anke, André, the rabbi (Hase)t, and the WDR Funkhausorchester, we'll be preparing his birthday party with you. Accompanied by lots of wonderful music, we'll search for the best party games, bake cakes, and decorate the stage: an interactive hands-on concert for little music fans!

Anke Engelke and André Gatzke have been discovering the world of music together with elephant and rabbit and the WDR Funkhausorchestra since 2011. Each year they focus on a different sound theme, such as the musical animal melodies in the concert Something animalistic (Tierisch was los), classic party hits in Birthdayparty (Geburtstagparty), songs around the universe in Space, oceansounds Under Water, the musical and acrobatic world in the circus. Last season we went into the Mountains. Dit seizoen vieren we dat Elefant 50 jaar bestaat. 50th Birthday is a theatrical concert for the little ones to marvel, listen and to participate.

Weltall

Photo © Taimas Ahangari

Credits Cast & Crew

Portfolio

THE LITTLE UGLY DUCK

So it is possible [...] making fascinating theater, suitable for both children and adults. The combination of acting, vocals, music and text in the little ugly duck - a loose adaptation of the story by Hans Andersen, conceived and directed by Annechien Koerselman -led to a strong and creative performance lasting 75 minutes which was really telling something.

Rein Swart

DIJKDRIFT

Very special is that all players are both beautifully singing, making music in a marvelous way and are acting stronly at the same time. An incredible achievement of stage director Annechien Koerselman and all performers. Dijkdrift is an extremely original opera production.

Scenes, Jos Schuring