Welcome to Dovenland. A place where Deaf people feel at home — and where hearing visitors are warmly welcomed.

In this country, two languages are spoken: Dutch Sign Language comes first, and Dutch is used for everything else that needs to be said. Step into this blend of VR (Virtual Reality) and theatre — developed in collaboration with Jan Klug — and experience a world where, as a hearing person, it’s not easy to make yourself understood. Sound and spoken language are not the focus — but communication most certainly is. How do you introduce yourself, or order a cup of coffee? Is it okay to tap someone on the shoulder to get their attention? As a member of this community, you’ll step into a warm bath of recognition — where the subtle nuances of daily life are brought vividly to the surface.

Dovenland is a Virtual Reality experience you can physically walk through. Each session, seven participants step into a virtual world layered over the real one — like an augmented reality experience. The playing field is marked by a rug, where visitors cross into a parallel world. There is no sound, but there are countless layers of communication — each with its own history, culture, and people.

This event takes place in the White Box at Bouwurk, at the Oldehoofsterkerkhof in Leeuwarden, Fryslân.

Dovenland is a collaboration with Frisian and Groningen-based Deaf organisations, including Oorizon, Clubhuis voor Doven in Groningen, TYD, and Geef het door NGT.