When the mine becomes stage and living memory
Blegny-Mine welcomes renewed mining heritage through the Tien Torens Diep project
In the heart of the Province of Liège, between Liège and Maastricht, the extensive site of Blegny-Mine is much more than a former coal mine. Visitors still descend to 30 m and 60 m using the original cage to explore underground galleries and experience the daily life of miners. In 2012 this major site was listed as UNESCO World Heritage.
Across the border, the cultural project Tien Torens Diep originates from the book by Jacques Vriens. It tells the story of three children – Stef, Victor and Wietske – in the late 1950s in a coal mining colony in South Limburg. Friendship, dreams of becoming a miner and a changing world form the heart of the story
The first collaboration took place in 2009 when Blegny-Mine was chosen as filming location for the TV series Tien Torens Diep. The choice was deliberate as Dutch mining heritage had largely disappeared after mine closures. Blegny-Mine offered a historically authentic and border-close setting.
Today a new phase begins with the theatrical adaptation of the same project. In May the actors visited Blegny-Mine. They explored galleries, wore helmets and lamps, listened to the stories of former miners, and experienced the underground world to fully immerse in the historical atmosphere. This helps them convey on stage the emotion, effort, pride and community of the miners.
The play will be extended in Kerkrade on 22 March. A different theatrical setting but the same spirit: bringing this part of history to life, making the audience resonate, connecting heritage and contemporary creation.
Find out more about Blegny-Mine Find out more about Tien Torens Diep Buy your tickets for the play
Key addresses
- Blegny-Mine – Rue Lambert Marlet 23, 4670 Blegny (Belgium)
- Theatre of Kerkrade (PLT) – Theaterplein 30, 6461 DR Kerkrade (Netherlands)
Contacts for more information
- For Tourist info services - info@touristinfoservices.eu - https://www.touristinfoservices.eu/
- For Tien Torens Diep – theatertientorensdiep@gmail.com - https://www.tientorensdiep.nl/
- For Blegny-Mine – domaine@blegnymine.be - https://www.blegnymine.be/
- For PLT / Theatres Kerkrade and Heerlen – info@plt.nl - https://www.plt.nl/
