THe HISTORY

2008
Van Veen's book “Medemens” (Fellow man) is published. In this book he describes his experience in development and collaboration over the past 40 years. The profit from this publication went to the Herman van Veen Foundation.
2006
“Woorden Op Mijn Zang” (Words to my singing) is released in October, as the first part in the series “Privé Collectie” (Private Collection). The illustrated book also contains a CD with new recordings of some favourite songs. It was dedicated to Franka Daels, Herman’s personal assistant for eight years, who sadly died of cancer during the summer of 2006.
2004

The end of a four year campaign “Afspraak is afspraak -- kinderrechten zijn mensenrechten” (Agreed is agreed – children’s rights are human rights). Apart from his regular concerts, Herman also had a four year long tour with the show of Alfred Jodocus Kwak (for the occasion – Unicef Bootschafter (Unicef ambassador)). This show starred Lilja Hermannsdóttir and was in co-operation with the Harlekijn Danstheater and his permanent accompaniment. The purpose: to raise awareness for the rights of children. The tour took him through Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland and Austria (the Klangwolke, Linz, 96.000 visitors). It was organised by Harlekijn, the Herman van Veen Foundation/Studios and Unicef Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and Austria. It was entirely sponsored by friends especially Marcel Boekhoorn and Edward Vermeer. The story “Verboden te lachen” (Forbidden to laugh) appeared in book form as well as on DVD at Signature/Bruna, “Lachen verboten – Ein Buch für Unicef” by Aufbau Verlag Berlin. The book, titled “Afspraak is afspraak” (Agreed is agreed) by Signature/Bruna also in German “Abgemacht ist abgemacht” was published by Aufbau Verlag Berlin. The campaign ended with a gala performance in the “Sonesta Koepel” in Amsterdam, presented by Joan Haanappel, with guest speaker Mies Bouwman and a memorable performance by Ali B.

2002

Due to the release of the book “In Vogelvlucht” (Bird's-eye view), Edith Leerkes and Herman van Veen performed at the “Trouw Schrijverdagen” at the “Beurs of Berlage” in Amsterdam. On this occasion, Herman met a Norwegian writer which he has always admired, Jostein Gaarder, who wrote “De wereld van Sophie” (Sophie's World).

2000
The book “Het gewicht van spel” (The importance of playing) written by journalist Karin Groet, was published. It describes the history of Harlekijn over the past 30 years – the business and those who came, who went and who stayed.
1992

At Rowohlt Taschenbuch the book “Gemischte Gefühle” (Mixed emotions) is published. Just like “Anne” (1988), this book with poems and stories became a best seller in Germany. More than 150 000 books were sold. 

1991
“De droom van Alfred Jodocus Kwak” (The dream of Alfred Jodocus Kwak) was published by Harlekijn Publishers. Herman wrote this book in co-operation with the late Hanneke Holzhaus.
1987

For the Columbine Foundation, Roger Hendriks and Herman van Veen together, wrote the fairy tale “Donkerlokje en het Land van Licht” (Darklocks and the Land of Light). It’s motto: “If you tread on an ant, be aware it could be a dwarf.” Illustrations were done by Luuk Poorthuis. The book was published in the Netherlands (La Rivière Voorhoeve) and in Flanders, (Belgium) (Pelckmans Publisher).

 

Harlekijn creates space so that artists can be themselves, allowing unrestricted performance. When it brings you face to face with an art form such as a performance, a book, a painting or a film, it could happen that a spark leaps from heart to heart. It is as if you are looking into a mirror where you just might see an age old soul, alive, just like yourself. I firmly believe in the power of those senses, that heart, that soul. In other words - in art. I share the view of the poet who wrote: “Kunst kan niet schaden” (Art is not harmful).

Roger Hendriks (age-old harlequin)

1986

The Belgian artist ZAK, alias Jacques Moeraert, drew the strip figure “Hermanus” for the book “De zaal is er” (The audience is there). Later, the idea was developed further by Jan Bart Dieperink and has now become “Mister U” (2007).

1982

On recommendation of Shirley MacLaine, who saw one of Herman’s shows in Hamburg, he performs in a series of shows, called “All of him” in the Ambassador Theatre on Broadway. Erik van der Wurff, Cees van der Laarse and Nard Reijnders joined him in this series. The reactions to his show varied from “brilliant” to “dismal”.

Jacques d’Arcona follows this American adventure closely and publishes his report in a book “Een vlucht vooruit” (A flight ahead). An LP “On Broadway” was produced. The cover depicted a violinist and the, then still standing, Twin Towers.

This was not the only series of shows in the United States. In the years to come Herman regularly performed in Carnegie Hall, Briar Street Theatre, Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Centre and The Sylvia and Danny Kaye Playhouse. During the spring of 2009 Herman and Edith Leerkes once again performed in the Lincoln Centre, this time with the programme “Child of the Wind”. This was a homage to the Jewish poet Selma Meerbaum-Eisinger, in celebration of the 60th year of the state of Israel. 

1980
The first full colour, German edition of Harlekijn News, “Pierrot”, was published in Germany. The name “Pierrot” was changed to “Harlekijn” in 1979. The death of editor Aloïs Kurzmann, in 1991, also meant the end of “Pierrot”.
1979

The first Christmas album, "Kerstliederen" (Christmas carols) with Herman and Ton Koopman, was produced in December. A year later the album was produced in German, “Weihnachtslieder”, followed by a French album.

In years to come, Harlekijn always produced something for Christmas. This included television programmes: “Een andere keer misschien” (Maybe another time) (1995), “Dat gebeurt elke dag” (That happens every day) (1998), “De timmerman en het meisje” (The carpenter and the girl) (2001), “Herman van Veen vertelt samen met gitariste Edith Leerkes van kerst - Goeie Genade” (Herman, together with guitar player Edith Leerkes, talks about Chirstmas – Good Grace) (2007); Family theatre productions such as: “Verboden te lachen” (Forbidden to laugh) by Alfred J. Kwak in the “Leidse Schouwburg” 2002 and “Lachen verboten” (Forbidden to laugh) by Alfred J. Kwak in the “Theater am Kurfürstendamm” in Berlin, 2003; Christmas shows in churches (Flanders (Belgium), Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands); Albums in different languages and the book “Kerstboek voor Tondo” (Christmas book for Tondo) of which the proceeds went to the Colombine project - “De moeders van Tondo” (The mothers of Tondo). During the winter of 2008 Herman van Veen’s Christmas book “De koe zei Boe, de ezel Balk, het schaap toen Bla” (The cow said Moo, the donkey Bray, the sheep then Bla) was published by Kok with illustrations by Alja from the Brabant region. 

1976

In Carré, on the 29th August, Herman van Veen read the story of Alfred Jodocus Kwak, which was written by him, for the first time. The book of this fairy tale, with sketches by Annet Kossen, was published in 1979 by the newly established "Harlekijn Uitgeverij" (Harlekijn Publishers). Until 1996 it was managed by Trude van Waarden.

1973

Harlekijn is considered to be the “warme bakker” (the fresh bakery) of the Dutch culture.

1972
“Herlekijn Nieuws” was renamed to “Harlekijn Nieuws”.
1972

The LP “Bloesem” (Blossom) was released, and the book “(Herman?) van Veen”, was published.

1970

The first edition of “Herlekijn Nieuws” (Herlekijn News) was issued. It’s main purpose: to be a magazine for the arts and the culture.

1968

Van Veen’s “Groene boekje” (The little green book) was published by Andries Blitz publishers. The following comments were made by Simon Carmiggelt in a “Kronkel” (Warp; the title of Mr. Carmiggelt's columns) (Het Parool, January 1968):


I copied “Mijn straat” (My street) for you because I consider it such a wonderful, original and flexible way in which Herman van Veen uses the Dutch language. It does not only happen when he is on stage, but also while he is writing in his blue poetry album, those ideas which come to him. For example, about the weather, he writes: “Het is een bij uitstek Brahmse namiddag hoewel ik door die Bachbries vanmorgen even van mijn apropos werd afgebracht, als de wind iets afneemt, ik durf het haast niet te hopen, dan loopt het op een Chopinavond uit”. (It is like a late Brahms afternoon, although I was thrown off balance by the Bach-breeze this morning, should the wind die down, I should not hope for

that, for then it will surely become a Chopin evening.)

 

It is often a somewhat melancholic harlequin that controls this compilation. What is he aiming for on paper? Listen:

 

“I claim a little bit of light for myself,

a very small beam,

more than enough is left over.

I gather some bits and pieces

and light them

so I can roast

some warmth light brown

in my tiny frying pan

to paint some freckels with it

on the autum.”

1968

Herman van Veen and Laurens van Rooyen established Harlekijn Holland B.V.

An extract from the Harlekijn Holland B.V. deed:

 

Name, location, purpose and duration.
Article 1.

1. The limited liability company, carries the name: Harlekijn Holland B.V.

2. The company is located at Westbroek, municipality Maartensdijk.

3. The company has as its purpose:

a. to produce presentations, shows and such like in theatres or areas equipped as theatres in order to entertain the public on artistic and recreational

    level, including recordings, radio, film and television.

b. the training, coaching and performance of artists in the artistic and recreation sector;

c. to make use of companies, institutes or shops especially horeca (hotels, restaurants and café’s), recreation and advertisement for the purpose of

    entertainment activities and/or goods; at our own expense as well as the expense of third parties, taken in the broadest sense of the word, also the

    setting up or taking over of and participation in the management of other companies with a similar purpose.

d. The duration of this company is unlimited.