Hans Teeuwen is one of the most successful comics in the Netherlands, coming to prominence as part of a double-act cabaret show called Heist in 1991. However, his performing partner Roland Smeenk died in a road accident the following year. After a break to grieve for his friend, Teeuwen starred in his first Dutch TV series, Hard en Zielig in 1994. This was followed by four other shows: Met een Breierdeck, Trui, Dat dan weer wel and Industry of Love He decided not to perform stand-up in his native country following the murder of his friend, controversial film-maker Theo Van Gogh, in 2003.Teeuwen devised Van Gogh’s 2003 film Interview, which was remade in 2007 by Steve Buscemi with Sienna Miller. At Van Gough's funeral, Teeuwen sang a provocative song about religion, arguing that freedom of speech is a much more important principle than causing religious offence. The stance won him the 2008 Chortle Award for artistic integrity. |
