The film tells the colorful and joyful history of the Amsterdam-based fool's ship, Azart, also known as The Ship of Fools, which sailed the world for over 30 years to spread cheer. At the helm was the creator of this floating work of art: captain and actor August Dirks, who lived and worked on the Azart for more than three decades. Captain August said he wanted to sail the VOC route, but in his own way: "Not to plunder and kill, but to play and share." Now stranded—literally—on a small South American beach, the wondrous story continues to unfold.
Bringing joy to people has always been the captain's primary goal. As August himself says: "I wanted to rig a fool's ship to sail around the world and sing the praises of folly." Until 2020, the ship visited hundreds of cities, brightening them with theatrical performances. After 33 years of free sailing, the ship made one final journey. On wheels, 150 meters across the beach of an Ecuadorian fishing village. "The Ship of Fools" was headed for Australia, but when the pandemic broke out and Captain August was diagnosed with a serious illness, the ship set course for its final resting place. In the film, we follow August on his mission to give the ship a final destination.
Saturday, May 2, 2026
Matinee: 3:00 PM (sold out)
Evening screening: 8:00 PM
The studio opens 1 hour before the start.
€12.50
Includes: coffee/tea and a drink
Is it easy to park at Atelier De Heerlijkheid?
Certainly, there is plenty of parking available at Driekoningenplein and next to the cemetery. We do ask that you park your car in a designated space, angled along the cemetery wall, to ensure there is room for other vehicles. Additionally, please make sure that wherever you park, wide agricultural vehicles can always pass through easily.
If you live nearby, it’s even better to come by bike. You can park it safely in our yard.
Is Atelier De Heerlijkheid accessible by public transport?
Yes, it is. Line 250 departs from the central station in 's-Hertogenbosch and this local bus stops right at our doorstep. The schedule is limited, and the local bus does not run on Sundays.
Line 5 also departs from the central station and stops at the Beeckendael stop in Engelen. From there, it is a fifteen-minute walk to De Heerlijkheid.
