Behind the scenes: The technology behind Bridge to Liberation
September 17,2026
Tomorrow is the day! On Friday, 18 September, we will once again be part of [Bridge to Liberation] at the Rijnkade in Arnhem. This year, we will bring Mano a Mano to the stage: a remarkable choreography by Iratxe Ansa and Igor Bacovich, set to the impressive music of Astor Piazzolla.
Bridge to Liberation is an evening in which music, dance, film, lighting and special effects come together to tell stories about freedom and the Battle of Arnhem. What the audience sees on 18 September as one spectacular production requires days of preparation, rehearsals, technical work and collaboration behind the scenes.
Interstage, Stagelight, CT Nederland and Dream Fireworks have been involved in Bridge to Liberation for many years. Each contributes their own area of expertise, but with the same goal: to ensure that the story is not only told, but truly experienced.
And we are proud to once again be part of it. With Mano a Mano, we are adding the power of dance to this special production. Movement, music and emotion come together in a choreography that brings Astor Piazzolla’s music to life in a unique way.
A stage in a special location
It all starts quite literally with the foundation. Interstage is responsible for building the stage and various temporary structures around the production.
Building a stage along the Rijnkade is not the same as setting one up in an event hall. The location presents technical challenges every year. In previous editions, for example, the stage was built on a pontoon or partly on the dike. Differences in elevation, limited space and logistics require tailor-made solutions.
“There is a technical challenge, and it is up to us to work together with the organizers and other suppliers to create a safe and practical solution,” says Interstage. “The fact that we are literally building the stage on which the story of Bridge to Liberation is told gives this project an extra layer of meaning.”
Seeing and hearing what is happening
Once the stage is in place, everything happening on it also needs to be clearly visible and audible to thousands of visitors. Stagelight takes care of the lighting and sound reinforcement.
It is not just about what the audience at the Rijnkade sees and hears. The orchestra, soloists and television broadcast each have their own technical requirements. All of these elements ultimately have to come together as one cohesive performance.
CT Nederland also plays an important role. The large LED screen above the stage is supplied by them, including its control system and rigging. This allows the performers to remain visible to audience members further away, while films and other visuals can also become part of the performance.
It is precisely this combination of disciplines that makes Bridge to Liberation so special. As CT Nederland puts it: “By combining art, music and film, the story becomes accessible to everyone.”
Dance That Makes Music and Stories Tangible
Alongside music, film and technology, dance is also an important part of the experience. Tomorrow, we are proud to once again contribute to Bridge to Liberation with Mano a Mano.
The choreography is by Iratxe Ansa and Igor Bacovich and is performed to music by Argentine composer Astor Piazzolla. His distinctive music, bringing together passion, melancholy and rhythm, provides a powerful foundation for this dance.
With Mano a Mano, we bring movement and music together, creating a performance in which dance is not only something to watch, but also something to feel.
For us, it is always special to be part of a production in which so many different disciplines come together. The collaboration between dancers, choreographers, musicians, technicians and the organization ensures that every element contributes to one shared experience.
From Technology to Goosebumps
And then there are the moments when technology almost becomes magic. Dream Fireworks is responsible for the special effects and the spectacular closing fireworks display.
For them, the parachutes are a particular highlight. As soon as they appear in the sky above the Rijnkade, they create an image that makes an impression year after year.
“The way the story is brought to the audience gives you goosebumps. Being able to bring that experience to life through our contribution makes it even more special.”
Every supplier has their own role, but the real strength lies in how everything comes together. The stage, lighting, sound, visuals, dance and effects ultimately support the same story.
Freedom Cannot Be Taken for Granted
Behind the technical and artistic collaboration, there is another reason why these partners return each year. Bridge to Liberation reminds us that the freedom in which we can live and work today should never be taken for granted.
For us, freedom means, among other things, having the space to express ourselves artistically, collaborate and tell stories through dance. Dance connects people across borders, cultures and backgrounds. That is precisely why our participation in Bridge to Liberation aligns so strongly with the message of this special evening.
The war is becoming increasingly distant from us, but the message remains as relevant as ever: freedom is fragile and should never be taken for granted. That is why we must continue to remember, tell these stories and pass them on.
Read more at bridgetoliberation.nl>>
