In Age of Rage, Ivo van Hove tells a primordial story of how revenge haunts and wrecks successive generations. This performance is in line with earlier large-scale social productions such as Roman tragedies and Kings of war.

This time the history of the Trojan War and the royal Atrid family is the starting point. Ifigeneia in Aulis, Trojan Women, Hekabe, Agamemnon, Elektra and Orestes are edited into one story. Age of Rage shows the mechanisms, inevitability and hopelessness of a circle of violence.

IVO VAN HOVE ABOUT AGE OF RAGE

'It is the story of years of war and how its consequences as an ineradicable cancer have a profound and long-lasting effect on families and society. But also a story about violence today and about radicalization.

We see how, faced with major problems, leaders turn to murder and revenge rather than deliberation. A royal family that runs the country but never comes to a vision or approach for a better future. A dark, grand and universal story.'

'While the emotional complexities remain, Ivo van Hove’s high-octane makeover featuring unrelenting pyrotechnics and riveting performances is a visual epic. (...) The show makes immense demands on its performers who deliver with unfaltering energy.' - The Guardian *****

'There’s a grinding, cyclical grimness to the whole production, coupled with a dramatic propulsion. It inevitably reflects our times – war, societal division, endless mess – without ramming this home, while building to a kinetic potent whole, the almost-four hours flying by.' - The Stage ****

'This timeless, blood-and-thunder tragedy is a marvel to watch' - The Telegraph ****

'Van Hove has a plan for how to make these ancient stories of the awfulness of violence and revenge tell. Patience is required, no question, but it’s a plan that finally brings rich rewards.'- The Times ***

'Age of Rage is a full-throttle thrill which, when it hits top speed, is an exhilarating experience.' - Broadway World UK ****

'Terrifyingly beautiful dance and music make Age of Rage more than just a bloodthirsty spectacle.' - Trouw ★★★★

'A rare physical and passionate performance.' - De Groene Amsterdammer

'The physical commitment of the actors, who play, play music, sing and dance in the mud is awe-inspiring.' - De Volkskrant ★★★

'Dark master marathon' - AD ★★★★

'Hans Kesting as Agamemnon and Chris Nietvelt as his wife Klytaimestra are breathtaking. But also Gijs Scholten as Menelaus, Maria Kraakman as Kassandra and Ilke Paddenurg as Ifigeneia, act at the top of their game.' - Scenes ★★★★