When the Time Comes: Voices from the Grave of Jonker Sicke

When the Time Comes – Voices from the Grave of Jonker Sicke

From the noble tomb beneath the church of Jellum, the voices of Jonker Dr Sicke van Dekema and his wife, Helena, rise again. Awakened by the commotion above ground, they begin a surprising tale of love and ambition.

Sicke and Helena appear in full regalia from their crypt. They believe a church service is taking place. But then Helena sees the massive gravestone for the first time — and is furious to find herself listed simply as “Hil.” She demands to know what happened to their ten children.

Sicke is preoccupied with material concerns — his way of coping with the loss of their children. But he also carries a secret he never revealed to Helena. Now, after four centuries, he finally shares it.

The audience is drawn into this unique and intimate musical performance — full of laughter, sorrow, and surprise. Sicke and Helena reminisce, interact with the “congregation,” sing about their life and love, and comment on the modern world.

An experience 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 on his family estate, Mammema State, in Jellum.

Sicke held great influence. He worked with Johan van Oldenbarnevelt, was friends with Stadtholder Willem Lodewijk (Us Heit), and had an extensive European network. He died on 29 March 1625 and was buried in the crypt of the church in Jellum.

The church was twice destroyed by fire and rebuilt. The Mammema State was demolished, and Sicke’s story faded from memory. In 2020, the grave was rediscovered, and the church was transformed into a theatre — with the tomb at its heart.

Info & bookings: www.mammemahuis.nl

Performance dates:
24 April
3 / 8 / 10 / 16 / 24 / 31 May
1 / 13 / 14 / 27 / 29 June

Jonker Sicke van Dekema: Jitze Grijpstyra
Helena van Tamminga: Ella de Jong / Kimberley Piek
Directed by: JD van Ravesteijn