When the Time Comes: Voices from the Grave of Jonker Sicke
until 1 July 2026
The wealthiest figures from the history of Friesland and Groningen rise from their graves. Sicke and Helana van Dekema sing, act, and tell the story of their life and love — a musical experience. "A gem", "Impressive" , "Beautiful" Perfect as a dinner performance or part of a cultural package.
When the Time Comes – Voices from the Grave of Jonker Sicke
From the noble burial vault in the church of Jellum, the voices of Jonker Dr. Sicke van Dekema and his wife, Helena, echo upward. Awakened by the noise above ground, they begin to tell a surprising story of love and ambition.
Sicke and Helena emerge in full regalia from their tomb, assuming a service is taking place. But then Helena sees the enormous gravestone for the first time. She’s furious to find herself listed as just “Hil” — and demands to know what happened to their ten children.
Sicke, meanwhile, frets over material things — his way of coping with the loss of their children. But he also carries a secret he never told Helena… until now, four centuries later, when he finally reveals it.
The aud…
When the Time Comes – Voices from the Grave of Jonker Sicke
From the noble burial vault in the church of Jellum, the voices of Jonker Dr. Sicke van Dekema and his wife, Helena, echo upward. Awakened by the noise above ground, they begin to tell a surprising story of love and ambition.
Sicke and Helena emerge in full regalia from their tomb, assuming a service is taking place. But then Helena sees the enormous gravestone for the first time. She’s furious to find herself listed as just “Hil” — and demands to know what happened to their ten children.
Sicke, meanwhile, frets over material things — his way of coping with the loss of their children. But he also carries a secret he never told Helena… until now, four centuries later, when he finally reveals it.
The audience is up close to this unique, musical performance — both moving and humorous. Sicke and Helena recall memories, interact with churchgoers, sing of their life and love, and reflect on the present.
An unforgettable experience, performed in the very place where these people once lived and believed.
Never before has the life of Jonker Sicke (1584–1625) been explored in such depth. He travelled across Europe to study law, became a jurist, and later lived at the family estate — Mammema State — in Jellum.
Sicke held great status. He worked with Johan van Oldenbarnevelt, was friends with Stadtholder Willem Lodewijk (Us Heit), and had a wide European network. He died on 29 March 1625 and was laid to rest in the church crypt in Jellum.
The church was twice destroyed by fire and rebuilt. The Mammema State was torn down. Sicke’s story faded — until 2020, when his grave was rediscovered and the church was transformed into a theatre, with the crypt at its heart.
Info & bookings: www.wijmakenmooiemomenten.nl
Sicke van Dekema: Jitze Grijpstra
Helena van Tamminga: Ella de Jong / Kimberley Piek
Direction: JD van Ravesteijn
Music: Ella de Jong, JD van Ravesteijn, Jelmer van der Wal
Costumes: Willy Struijk
