No Dutch? No problem. Discover Amare without any language barriers.

March 2026, article

The Hague is an international city. Expats, international students, and newcomers from all over the world come to the city for work, study, and a new home. However, not all cultural offerings are automatically accessible to those who do not (yet) speak Dutch. At Amare, we have therefore added a ‘tag’ to the calendar that allows you to discover which performances do not require you to speak Dutch at the touch of a button: No Dutch Required. These are (dance) performances in which language plays no role, English-language concerts, or programs by international creators. We are happy to list them for you.

Music is a universal language
A large part of Amare's calendar is filled with music. From instrumental classical concerts and international orchestras to jazz ensembles, world music, and English- or other-language pop artists: this music requires no translation.

A fine example from our rich program is the Brasil & Luso line. With this, Amare celebrates the musical traditions of Brazil, Portugal, and the wider Lusophone world. This concert series brings together tradition and innovation, from sizzling Brazilian rhythms to the melancholic sounds of Portugal. You don't need to speak Dutch – or even Portuguese – to experience the energy, emotion, and festivity of this music. This season, you can enjoy fado of the highest caliber by Cristina Branco and Sara Correia. Or swing along to the hits of Brazilian star Lulu Santos.

You can also often enjoy the classical programming without any knowledge of the Dutch language. Top international orchestras and choirs regularly bring guest conductors and soloists from all over the world. The music speaks for itself, whether it is a large symphonic repertoire or an intimate performance. During People United Will Never Be Defeated, you can hear the impressive piano variations from Frederic Rzewski's monumental work: a composition that loses none of its expressiveness without explanation. The annual performance of Johann Sebastian Bach's St. Matthew Passion is also a special experience. Although the work was originally written in German, the music (with choir, orchestra, and soloists) touches on universal themes such as comfort, loss, and hope.

Dance tells stories without words
Dance is perhaps the most international art form. Body language is universal and requires no knowledge of language. From modern dance and urban to international companies: at Amare, you can see performances in which story, emotion, and social themes are conveyed entirely through movement. No subtitles needed. Be surprised by our fellow resident Nederlands Dans Theater during I dreamt, it was, which can be seen no fewer than six times at Amare between March 26 and April 25. Or discover the latest creation by the Rotterdam-based company Conny Janssen Danst with INSTINCT, in which twelve dancers take on the physical and emotional challenge of remaining on the floor without interruption.

Amare as an international meeting place
Cultural activities help you feel at home in a new city. It offers recognition and discovery. At Amare, you can meet other internationals and locals and share an experience that goes beyond language. Curious about which performances you can attend without knowing Dutch? In our agenda, you can easily find all events labeled No Dutch Required.