Karel Baracs is The Storyteller of Amsterdam. He has been a Dutch professional storyteller since 1990. His subjects are primarily linked to Amsterdam and Dutch history. His most succesful story ‘Why Tram 8 No Longer Runs’ brings to life his home town during the Nazi occupation (1940-1945) and the persecution of the Jews.  He performs his tales in both Dutch and English for audiences young and old from Amsterdam to London, from Anvers to Budapest. In 2008, he was officially appointed City Storyteller of Amsterdam. For this achievement, he was inducted as a ‘Member in the Order of Orange’ by Queen Beatrix in 2012.

 

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Accolades

Karel has performed in museums and theaters throughout Europe.

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booking information

Please contact Karel directly for information about booking a performance for your organization.

Email Karel by clicking here!

Telephone: 00 31 (0) 6 14 820 820

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testimonials

"This moving theater experience is a demonstrable contribution to the fight against racism and discrimination. I therefore recommend the presentation wholeheartedly for you."

– Eberhard van der Laan, former Mayor of Amsterdam

The Storyteller of Amsterdam and Stories In The Streets

 

In 2013, the feature-length documentary, “The Storyteller of Amsterdam,” directed by Eli Brown and produced by Burst Films LLC, was released to festivals. It is now available for distribution internationally for broadcast.

 

A short film entitled "Stories In The Streets" focused on the work that Karel does with children, as he takes them on a magical bicycle ride through their neighborhood. It was shown at several film festivals, including the Sebastopol Documentary Film Festival and the Global Visions Documentary Festival in Canada.

The Performance of Rescuing The Jewish Children Of Amsterdam

 

Storyteller Karel Baracs performs "Rescuing The Jewish Children of Amsterdam,” a true story of the rescue of children by the Dutch resistance during World War II. Only in the last part of the performance does Karel Baracs reveals why he is personally involved in this Amsterdam tale. It’s an incredible true story about persecution and betrayal, about loyalty and love, which makes a deep impression on audiences, young and old. It carries one clear message: beware of racism!

The year is 1943. The Apples, a Jewish family in Amsterdam lives in hiding above a shop in the heart of town. When their shelter is raided, the family is discovered and taken to a prison for Jews in a former theater building. To avoid flight, the Nazis separate the children from their parents. Two friends, Hester and Pauline, witness the persecution. They can’t accept the injustice and decide to do something. But what can they do against such an overwhelming occupying force?