Dutch forces have announced their intention to retake the Island on September 10, roughly 275 years after the original colonists lost it to the British. The invading force this time is New Island Festival, a spectacle of performing arts with more than 100 performing artists.
The festival will occupy every part of the Island - the Promenade, historic houses, barracks and open green spaces - combining "the greatest elements of European outdoor performing arts festivals." The full menu has yet to be announced, but included in the variety will be the American premiere of 'Silent Disco,' described as "a joyous dance party" where all the dancers wear headphones!
The festival is part of NY400, marking 400 years since Henry Hudson passed through the harbor. The Dutch cabinet minister coordinating his nation's participation in "Quad" festivities, Frans Timmermans, has proclaimed that the festival will celebrate "our common history and strengthen the cultural networks and relationships between New York and the Netherlands."
The fun will run for eight days over two long weekends, Thursday through Sunday, September 10-13 and 17-20, and until midnight each day except Sundays, when it will shut down at 10.
Parts of the festival will be free; some will charge for tickets that can be purchased in advance or on the Island. A festival pass, covering everything, will cost $35.